The future of Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is growing more uncertain as trade rumors continue to swirl around one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted weapons. NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently shared insight into the situation, pointing to both financial factors and the rise of a younger talent on Baltimore’s roster.
Ian Rapoport Sheds Light on Mark Andrews’ Uncertain Future Amid Trade Chatter
Speaking about Andrews’ situation on NFL Network, Rapoport said, “I may give it that it is very, very much up in the air and, you know, GMs talk about balls being in the air, right? And the reason they say that is because a lot of things that could happen.”
He also pointed out that Isaiah Likely, a younger tight end on a rookie deal, looked like a true No. 1 option when Andrews was sidelined.
“You have Isaiah Likely, really good young player, emerging young player who, when Andrews was not on the field, looked like a number one tight end, going to make just $3 million next year.”
Rapoport also noted how front offices tend to think long term and often favor younger, cheaper players they can extend early.
“Teams generally like to lock up these kind of players to long-term lucrative extensions, make sure they are taken care of and move on from there.”
That could be the case with Likely, potentially leading the Ravens to part ways with Andrews, whose contract is set to count for $16.9 million against the cap this season. However, Baltimore could potentially save $11 million by trading or releasing him.
The speculation is picking up steam partly because the tight end class in the upcoming NFL Draft isn’t seen as especially strong.
“No doubt he’s going to have some trade value in a draft when there’s not maybe a ton of really, really good high-level tight ends,” Rapoport said. “I wouldn’t be surprised based on what I’m hearing here, Mike, if some team does come in and make an offer the Ravens can’t refuse, even though it is very clear Mark Andrews means a lot to them and they really, really value the person and the player.”
General manager Eric DeCosta echoed a cautious tone when asked about Andrews’ future in 2025.
“I never know what’s going to happen,” DeCosta said, adding, “And I would never want to say this or that. But I can tell you this: Mark Andrews is a warrior. He’s played his butt off for us.”
Despite Andrews’ accolades — three Pro Bowls, a first-team All-Pro nod in 2021, and 51 career touchdowns — a costly drop in the Divisional Round loss to Buffalo has clouded his standing. The Ravens may soon face a big decision on whether to keep a franchise cornerstone or go with a younger, more cost-effective option at tight end.
