The Baltimore Ravens will probably retain All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, but he may seek a trade this offseason. According to an official report, the Ravens are not looking to trade the future Hall of Famer as he’s just “too good as a player.” Andrews was the subject of trade rumors last season, and it became a reoccurring theme throughout the offseason that it might happen. However, the former Pro Bowler hasn’t been as consistent in recent memory and given his injury for the first time in his career, he wasn’t the same pass catcher as before.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma product spent his entire NFL tenure with the team after becoming a second-stringer behind Hayden Hurst before eventually winning the starting job. Andrews became one of the most versatile, talented tight ends in the league until he lost his job due to injuries and the emergence of standout Isaiah Likely. He hasn’t been the starter for the past two seasons, so the Ravens could use this opportunity to find a trade partner, but it might be Andrews who will probably want to request it.
Andrews isn’t going to win his starting spot again unless Likely suffers an injury. It’s Likely’s job, and there might not be enough room for Andrews, who could probably still be a starter if the opportunity arises. Here are five trade fits that may make that happen.
REPORT: Ravens Expected to Retain All-Pro Mark Andrews, Could Seek Trade
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Ravens won’t trade Andrews to their rival Kansas City, but if he becomes available via free agency, they will probably become high candidates for him. Travis Kelce is returning for what will most likely be his final season in the league, so they need a capable replacement. Andrews may have been inconsistent the past two seasons, but with new scenery, he could be a viable option for the Chiefs.
Los Angeles Chargers
There was speculation that the Chargers could target Mark Andrews, but they got Tyler Conklin instead. He’s on a one-year deal, so it’s possible the team is just testing the waters. The Chargers need a consistent pass-catcher in the worst possible way, even if it’s a long-term tight end like Andrews. They will still need to search for a wide receiver, but it’s doable.
They could bring out something in Andrews if he becomes available.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, they’re in a weird place. It seems like they’re reluctant to get a new pass catcher for quarterback Dak Prescott, who’s been training hard this offseason. Jake Ferguson was out for most of the season last year, so they could trade for Andrews to keep the wheel moving if he can’t stay healthy.
Washington Commanders
Zach Ertz is coming back on another yearly deal, but this might be his last season with them as the Commanders will probably search for a new tight end in the draft. If that doesn’t work, they could pursue a veteran in free agency. Andrews is more than capable of holding the fort together for quarterback Jayden Daniels, as he’s younger and more upside than Ertz.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have two solid tight ends on their roster in Ja’Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble. However, the wide receiver room looks bleak if you take Adam Thielen out of the picture once he retires. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker only have untapped potential, so they could use a proven veteran like Andrews if Sanders doesn’t work out.
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