Ravens Shouldn't Be 'In the Business' of Trading Andrews

Part of what makes the Baltimore Ravens offense special is the privilege of having two quality tight ends.

Since being drafted in 2018, Mark Andrews has emerged as a star from the slot. He earned quarterback Lamar Jackson’s trust and has been a constant in the passing offense ever since. Andrews is a threat up the seam and dangerous after the catch. So is tight end Isaiah Likely, the unheralded contributor penciled into elite usage once Andrews’ tenure is over.

Neither makes their living as a blocker, but both do enough to help Baltimore remain versatile out of 12 personnel. They can block better than receivers without sacrificing much explosiveness, allowing offensive coordinator Todd Monken to essentially switch between 11 and 12 personnel without making a substitution.

That quirk isn’t lost on the front office, and it’s part of why the Ravens aren’t incentivized to trade from their surplus. One recent trade proposal sends Andrews, now an expendable star, to the AFC-contending Los Angeles Chargers.

“The Chargers are hoping to further improve on their 11-win season, while becoming a team that can pose a threat in the playoffs,” Alex Buck wrote. “Their current tight end group is led by Will Dissly, meaning Andrews would be a significant upgrade. If he were traded to LA, he would be reunited with his offensive coordinator from the most productive years of his time with the Ravens.

“A potential trade would have to factor in Andrews’ salary for the upcoming season. His hefty wage would likely mean limited trade compensation, but a mid-round draft pick could prove to be a best-case scenario for both franchises.”

Andrews is entering what could be his last year in Baltimore. But taking away from the biggest strength of the passing offense, and giving it to a Chargers team poised to play meaningful January football, would be a mistake.

On the climb to a Super Bowl, every inch matters. There are times to trade veterans for picks, and the Ravens haven’t been shy about adding more draft capital. Doing so with Jackson’s most trusted target, though, feels hasty. Likely can step into Andrews’ role. Banking on Charlie Kolar to backfill Likely’s spot is far less secure.

"I know the Ravens and my relationship is incredibly strong, and I trust in [general manager Eric DeCosta] and everybody there over at the Ravens," Andrews said before the draft, via ESPN. "And there's nothing on my end really to share. For me, it's just been working hard this offseason and trying to get in the best shape of my life, trying to have the best season of my life coming up and winning a Super Bowl."

Andrews ended Baltimore’s season in 2024 with a fumble and a costly drop that will haunt the organization until it hoists a Lombardi Trophy. He deserved his shot at redemption, and the Ravens have plenty of on-field reasons to give him that opportunity.

Andrews, throughout the offseason, has been steadfast in his commitment to the team that drafted him.

"At the end of the day, I think [DeCosta] said it perfectly: He's in the business of keeping great players and it's a business at the end of the day," Andrews said. "You can't be surprised by anything, but I'm a Raven."