While it’s not quite time for the Baltimore Ravens to begin planning for 2026, there’s been enough bad juju around the franchise through the first 2 months of the season that it’s fair to start thinking, at least a little bit, about what the future might hold for a few veterans.
The player at the center of most trade rumors surrounding since the end of last season has been veteran tight end Mark Andrews, who is in the final year of a 4-year, $56 million contract extension.
Andrews has long been thought to have his replacement, tight end Isaiah Likely, nipping at his heels on the roster, although Likely has been practically non-existent for the Ravens this season since breaking his foot in training camp.
Still, Andrews could be expendable, especially if he can bring back a decent draft pick or a defensive starter, and Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon predicts one team that might make a move for him is the Los Angeles Rams.
“It’s a walk year for Andrews, and the Ravens might look to get something for the veteran now before committing long-term to the younger Isaiah Likely in the offseason,” Gagnon wrote on October 30. “Meanwhile, the Rams could use another veteran weapon to support their top two receivers for a potential playoff run …The Rams surrender a middle-round pick for Andrews, who does indeed contribute for a team that should at least land a wild-card spot.”
Jackson-Andrews Have Been Lethal Combo
The Ravens started the season 1-5 after being a trendy Super Bowl pick in the preseason, and bounced back with a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 6 to keep their playoff hopes alive and improve to 2-5.
If you’re looking for reasons the Ravens might keep Andrews, also consider 2-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson has been out with a hamstring injury the last 3 games and Andrews has traditionally been one of his favorite targets. Jackson was back in the lineup for Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.
Catching passes from Jackson led Andrews to one of the greatest seasons for a tight end in NFL history in 2021, with 107 receptions for 1,361 yards — both franchise records — to go with 9 touchdowns.
“Baltimore might prefer to retain every proven weapon in hopes of salvaging an injury-ravaged season, but Andrews is no longer the steady playmaker that he once was, and Isaiah Likely is already here as the future at tight end,” CBS Sports NFL reporter Cody Benjamin wrote on October 23. “Andrews is also set to become a free agent after the season, meaning both sides could benefit from an early split. He’d make for a nice secondary outlet for a contender.”
Andrews Lagging Behind Typical Production
Through 7 games, Andrews is a bit behind his typical production with 24 receptions for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2024, Andrews had 55 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns.
It has been hard for Andrews to shake how last season ended for the Ravens in the playoffs. In a 27-25 AFC Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills, Andrews had a fumble that Bills turned into a touchdown and dropped an easy 2-point conversion that would have tied the game with just over one minute left in the fourth quarter.
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