The Los Angeles Chargers have a legitimate shot to make a big playoff run this season, and adding a star tight end from an ailing team before the trade deadline makes sense.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggests that the Chargers trade for Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowler with ample playoff experience. Baltimore sits at 1-4, amid a host of injuries, which include superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In the trade proposal, Kay writes that the Chargers would only need to give up a sixth-round draft pick next year to acquire Andrews. That would address one of the biggest needs for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
With things going from bad to worse in recent weeks for the Baltimore Ravens, the team could soon become one of the more unexpected sellers at the trade deadline,” Kay wrote. “One longtime Raven who could be on the way out is Mark Andrews, a veteran tight end now in the final year of his contract. While he’s in his eighth NFL season and on the wrong side of 30, he’s still a highly productive player who could help a contender.
“The three-time Pro Bowler appeared in all five games for Baltimore this year, reeling in 17 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns,” Kay added.
Why the Chargers Need Mark Andrews
As Kay explained, the Chargers don’t have “a true pass-catching weapon at the TE spot and should consider making a run at Andrews” before the Nov. 4 deadline.
“Tyler Conklin (8/83/0) and rookie Oronde Gadsden II (11/76/0) have been sharing receiving duties at the position for the 3-2 Bolts, but neither profiles as a reliable weapon for star quarterback Justin Herbert at this point in their careers,” Kay wrote. Conklin is best served as a veteran backup, while Gadsden is still a raw prospect who needs more time to develop before he’s ready to play a larger role for the Chargers.
“Andrews would be able to step in and immediately supplant both as the team’s top tight end, playing a key role alongside a talented receiving corps headlined by Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey,” Kay added.
1 Thing Stands in the Way for Ravens-Chargers Trade
Even at 1-4, the Ravens‘ season isn’t officially done in terms of playoff hopes.
If the Ravens turn things around the rest of October, Andrews as a trade target could become a moot point quickly. Jackson’s status remains in question, and the Ravens need to get healthy at numerous positions, so it would take a lot for the Ravens to go on a winning streak at this point — even with a viable backup quarterback in Cooper Rush.
Baltimore also has the Los Angeles Rams coming up in Week 6 followed by the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins — two other teams trying to save seasons. If the Ravens come away with a 2-6 or 1-7 record, the Chargers have a shot to pursue Andrews.
It may not represent a fitting end to his impressive Ravens tenure, but it’s making the best of a miserable situation—providing Baltimore future assets to retool with and Andrews a shot at his first Super Bowl ring as part of a strong Chargers squad led by another Harbaugh brother,” Kay wrote.
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