Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been one of the biggest disappointments of the early 2024 season, and one report indicates the team could trade him in the coming weeks. A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews established himself as one of the best dual-threat tight ends in the game over the past few seasons. Originally breaking out in 2019, the Oklahoma product earned three Pro Bowl selections while helping Lamar Jackson develop into a two-time MVP.
Unfortunately, age comes for us all, and Andrews doesn’t appear to be the top tight end on the depth chart anymore. Former fourth-round pick Isaiah Likely has usurped Andrews in the pecking order, leaving the veteran with just six receptions for 65 yards on eight targets through three games. Now 29 years old and closer to the end of his career than the beginning, Destin Adams of AtoZ Sports believes the team could trade Mark Andrews and embrace Isaiah Likely as the TE1 of the future. If this happens, the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints should pick up the phone and see if they can get a deal done.
Ravens Could Trade Mark Andrews to Chargers, Saints
If the young 2024 season has taught us anything, it’s that quarterbacks need the right environment to succeed. Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield flamed out with their first two organizations, but both players look as good as advertised with their current teams. The Chargers have an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert, although he won’t reach his ceiling in his current environment. While there’s nothing the Chargers can do about his high ankle sprain, they could dramatically improve his supporting cast with a Mark Andrews trade.
Los Angeles parted ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams during the offseason and embraced a youth movement at the wide receiver position. While Quentin Johnston and second-round pick Ladd McConkey have had their moments early in the season, this team could use an experienced set of hands to lead the passing attack. Instead of going after a receiver, the Chargers could pivot to tight end with a Mark Andrews trade. Maybe the former third-round pick has lost a step, but he’s still considerably better than Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst. With Herbert injured, a player like Andrews who can get open quickly and make plays over the middle of the field could be an invaluable asset down the stretch.
More Help In New Orleans
The Saints looked like the best team in football through the first two weeks, and if they want to maintain that form, they could trade for tight end Mark Andrews. Head coach Dennis Allen was on the hot seat late in the 2023 season, and while the Saints brought him back for 2024, he probably won’t keep his job if he doesn’t guide this team on a deep playoff run. Derek Carr looks comfortable under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the offensive line is holding up better than expected, but another weapon could take this offense to the next level.
Do-everything weapon Taysom Hill is battling injury and Juwan Johnson has recorded just two receptions on the season. Mark Andrews would be the best pure tight end on the roster, but the trade candidate wouldn’t be the top option in the passing attack. That honor would still go to Chris Olave, which might be the best thing for Andrews at this stage in his career. Maybe he can’t consistently overcome double teams anymore, but he won’t have to with defenses worried about Olave and dual-threat running back Alvin Kamara.
Main Photo: Reggie Hildred – USA Today Sports
