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Would Ravens Trade Mark Andrews?
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens saw their season end at the hands of tight end Mark Andrews. In the fourth quarter, his fumble put a serious dent in the Ravens’ hopes of reaching the AFC Championship Round. Targeted on a game-tying two-point conversion with little time to recover, Andrews’ drop sealed their fate.

That gives Baltimore two options. It can welcome him back for his age-30 season, or it can officially end his tenure on sour terms, trading him to a team in need of a new weapon and making his final memory with the organization a bad one.

If general manager Eric DeCosta goes down that path, there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors.

One Ravens trade rumor from Last Word on Sports links the star with a No. 1 pick under center, helping boost Bryce Young’s credibility in Year 3.

"The Panthers have several high-risk, high-reward youngsters, and it wouldn’t hurt them to add a proven veteran to ensure some stability for quarterback Bryce Young," David Latham writes. "The Ravens would probably prefer to trade Mark Andrews to an NFC team, and Young could use the veteran reliability as he builds on his strong finish to 2024."

Perhaps keeping Andrews for the sake of redemption is an emotional decision. But Baltimore is hoping to take down the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Andrews is still a key part of the offense, and while Isaiah Oliver seems to be his replacement in waiting, this is a better offense with two quality tight ends.

Further, Andrews’ decline doesn’t seem to be upon the Ravens just yet. He started slow – weeks removed from a car accident – before going on a torrid stretch and finishing the season with a touchdown in six consecutive games.

Andrews’ 2024 campaign ended with 55 catches, 673 yards, and 11 touchdowns. There’s room for regression, sure, especially as he enters his 30s. However, his contract isn’t an issue, either. Baltimore can afford the final one year and $17 million on his contract – being a year too late here isn’t disastrous.

For the Panthers, Andrews would provide a significant upgrade at tight end and add instant credibility to a passing offense that needs it. Yet, it’s not in Baltimore’s best interest to sell its stars, nor is it the outcome fans should be rooting for.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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