The Chargers and Chiefs may surprisingly target three-time Pro Bowler tight end, Mark Andrews midseason. According to a report, some believe the Ravens could move on from one of their best tight ends after having a slump. Baltimore has the offense to win a Super Bowl but that doesn’t mean every player is getting playing time, notably Andrews after having one of the best seasons last year. The emergence of rookie Isaiah Likely could make Andrews expendable after heads the tight end room with 13 receptions for 167 yards and one touchdown.
It would be shocking for many if the Ravens dropped Andrews after he was a security blanket in the passing game last year for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens got Andrews in the 2018 NFL Draft but it looks like the team doesn’t need him anymore since Lilely will take over his job after the season. Andrews only has six receptions for 65 yards and has yet to record a touchdown behind one of the best offenses in the AFC. Head Coach John Harbaugh gets honest about Andrews and says everything is fine and that’s still a part of their offensive plans.
However, feelings change over time and Baltimore could become aggressive come this year’s trade deadline by selling Andrews in exchange for a wideout. The chances of the Ravens extending Andrews after his contract are slim due to Likely’s playing abilities. They could probably use this opportunity to put him on the trading block, especially since the veteran was dealing with an ankle injury last season limiting him to 10 games. Baltimore wouldn’t risk that but it shouldn’t worry Andrews as other suitors could become buyers this season if they want to add more firepower to their offense.
Chargers, Chiefs May Surprisingly Target Three-Time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews
New Blueprint for Justin Herbert
The Chargers are depending on the running game this year which Jim Harbaugh is getting his wish due to lack of reliable pass catchers. After losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the team only brought in DJ Chark and rookie Ladd McConkey as replacements. McConkey was probably their only great pickup but being a rookie, many should expect him to go through some growing pains since this may be his first postseason if the Chargers make it that far. Justin Herbert can lead this team if he can stay healthy but that would only happen if they improve his passing game.
The Chargers could use a set of veteran hands to depend on especially since Andrews has plenty of playoff experience. Quentin Johnston has his moments but it’s nothing spectacular for Herbert to excel in the passing attack. Andrews may no longer be that same elite player anymore but a change of scenery could boost his productivity. He could be Herbert’s new security blanket ahead of Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst.
New Plan in Kansas City
Travis Kelce is perhaps on one of the worst starts in his NFL career. This spells bad news already since Patrick Mahomes lost Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice. However, the Chiefs could consider going a different route than anyone would expect. Everyone is expecting Kansas City to land a receiver in a trade in favorable names like DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp or Darius Slayton.
The reality is that the Chiefs could probably survive without a new receiver but they may want to improve depth. Andrew may no longer be a starter anymore but his addition behind Kelce could allow him to get back in rhythm. Both tight ends are on slow starts but they should be able to work together to create some separation in the blocking game to give enough support for Mahomes to find an open man.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were on a promising start in the first two weeks of the regular season but they’re looking to maintain their form. No one’s job is safe on this team and that is including Derek Carr and Head Coach Dennis. However, these two will stay on the roster if they make a deep playoff run but that doesn’t look like it’ll happen with just Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Juwan Johnson is barely doing anything and Taysom Hill is nothing but a special-teams player currently battling an injury.
Andrews could become their next safe target if they want to boost their offensive productivity.
Dallas Cowboys
America’s team must do something to get this offense moving with Dak Prescott under center. Brandin Cooks is battling an injury and this leaves CeeDee Lamb in survival mode with Jalen Tolbert in his first starting role. No one should expect Tolbert to do anything amazing Jake Ferguson is reliable but they shouldn’t solely depend on him. A guy like Andrews could help create creativity in the passing game for Prescott.
