Mark Andrews is one of several veterans whose name has been connected to trade talk during the build-up to the draft. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta recently declined to confirm the All-Pro tight end will remain in Baltimore for 2025. 
Next season represents the final one of Andrews’ contract. The 29-year-old has signed one extension in his career, but it remains to be seen if he will receive another from the Ravens. A trade around or during the draft has therefore been a talking point since the end of the 2024 campaign. Andrews does not anticipate being moved, though.
“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,” the three-time Pro Bowler said to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “You can’t be surprised by anything, but I’m a Raven. I know the Ravens and my relationship is incredibly strong and I trust in [DeCosta] and everybody there over at the Ravens.”
To be clear, DeCosta’s latest comments on the subject did not state the Ravens are actively looking to move Andrews. Head coach John Harbaugh has expressed an expectation the Oklahoma product will remain in the fold for at least one more year, something which will be influenced in large part by the strength of the market which develops for him over the coming days. Andrews is due to carry a cap charge of $16.91MM in 2025, while a trade would result in $11MM in savings.
Given Baltimore’s financial outlook – the likes of quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum and edge rusher Odafe Oweh are all in line for extensions as early as this offseason – keeping Andrews at a high cost would prove to be challenging. He set a new career high with 11 touchdowns last season, but Andrews’ 39.6 receiving yards per game average were the lowest mark since his rookie campaign. A repeat of that modest production at a high price would be difficult to handle from a cap perspective.
Another factor in this situation is the fact fellow tight end Isaiah Likely is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The 25-year-old’s playing time, yardage and touchdown totals have increased over each of his first three seasons, and he would be in position to assume an even larger pass-catching role in the event Andrews were to be dealt. A new commitment in the latter would decrease the funds available for a second Likely contract. Special teamer Charlie Kolar is also a pending 2026 free agent, meaning several decisions at the tight end spot will soon need to be made.
The most important of those relates to Andrews’ future, and clarity could soon emerge if a draft-day trade were to take place. That would come as something of a surprise to the player in this instance, but it remains something to watch for.
As good as Likely has been, there’s also plenty of incentive in keeping your franchise quarterback’s favorite target for another year while you’re hoping to win a championship. If Baltimore had a proven franchise receiver, this would probably be an easier choice. Hopkins is an all time great, but they really need a solid future option there, as well.
That said, don’t be surprised to see Andrews dealt midyear to a contender…after all, the Ravens will have him, Henry, and Hopkins as significant offensive cornerstones, all of whom are up there in age relative to their positions. If Likely maintains his momentum, and another contender needs a boost midyear in a way that doesn’t threaten the Ravens, I could see the also contending Ravens making a surprise trade during the season. I wouldn’t be shocked if it occurred, not that I’m necessarily predicting it.
Did you completely forget that Zay Flowers exists? The Ravens also have the replacement for Andrews already, who will also be in need of a deal very soon.
@lordshade. His price is probably not worth moving. Chargers would’ve done it when they needed a tight end since it’s the los Angeles ravens. At the deadline they probably can get something better or just keep him if anyone gets hurt.
Andrews to Giants for a few picks wouldn’t surprise me
I can agree with all of this until you get to the idea of being traded mid-year to a contender. Maybe if the contender in the NFC North or something
As a Steelers fan, I won’t be sad to see him go
Which means they are in trade talks and are leaking the info to threaten a potential trade partner. This is smoke screen time so believe absolutely nothing that comes out of NFL front offices right now (ever?).
@hey darnold. Just means he was offered a 7th round pick because teams know the ravens need to shed payroll. That wouldn’t sense because the comp pick coming back is most likely a 5th or 6th. Definitely not a smokescreen.