The Baltimore Ravens, stuck in a cap dilemma, could surprise supporters by making a bold deal for a Pro Bowl tight end. Chargers to Mark Andrews

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, teams constantly face the challenge of managing their salary caps while simultaneously striving to improve their rosters. The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to this balancing act. With their unique blend of top-tier talent and financial constraints, the team has often found itself in situations where difficult decisions need to be made. In 2025, the Ravens face a pivotal offseason in which their ability to navigate cap space could determine their success for years to come.

One of the most intriguing scenarios being discussed by fans and analysts alike is the possibility of the Ravens making a bold trade to acquire a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end. Specifically, many believe that the Ravens could make a move for Los Angeles Chargers’ star tight end Mark Andrews, who has been a fixture of the Ravens’ offensive game plan for several seasons but now could find himself in a new home.

While the trade might seem unexpected, there are several reasons why it could be a realistic possibility for the Ravens, especially given their current salary cap dilemma and the need for offensive reinforcements. Here’s a deep dive into why such a trade might make sense and how it could impact both the Ravens and the Chargers in the short and long term.

1. Ravens’ Current Cap Situation: A Tight Squeeze

The Ravens, like many teams, are often caught between the need to stay competitive while managing a salary cap that forces difficult decisions. Heading into the 2025 season, the Ravens have several large contracts to contend with. Key players like Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, and Ronnie Stanley are on high-paying deals that eat up a significant portion of the team’s cap space. While these players are undeniably talented, the Ravens have struggled to balance their financial obligations with the desire to continue strengthening the roster.

For Baltimore, the reality of the situation is that difficult decisions will need to be made. With limited cap space, the team will likely have to make cuts or restructure contracts to create more breathing room. In such a scenario, acquiring another Pro Bowl-level player like Mark Andrews from the Chargers could become an attractive option. The key to making such a trade work would be for the Ravens to clear cap space by moving contracts and parting with some less expensive pieces in exchange for the top-tier talent they desperately need.

2. The Ravens’ Need for Offensive Help

Despite their strong defensive identity, the Ravens have spent years trying to build a more balanced offense that can support Lamar Jackson as both a passer and a playmaker. While the team has solidified its rushing attack, the passing game has often been a point of concern, especially with the lack of a true star at the tight end position.

While Mark Andrews has been a consistent presence in Baltimore’s offense, ranking among the top tight ends in the league in terms of catches, yards, and touchdowns, there has been growing concern regarding his ability to consistently stay on the field. Injuries and an aging roster have hindered his effectiveness in recent seasons, and his contract may soon become a financial burden for the Ravens.

With Lamar Jackson’s passing game continuing to evolve, the Ravens have a clear need to surround him with better receiving options. Acquiring a playmaking tight end like Mark Andrews would significantly improve the team’s offensive potential. With his exceptional route-running ability, hands, and blocking skills, Andrews would provide Jackson with a reliable target over the middle of the field, as well as in the red zone.

3. Why the Chargers Could Be Willing to Trade Andrews

From the Chargers’ perspective, trading Mark Andrews might seem like a surprising move, especially given his status as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL. However, there are several factors that could lead Los Angeles to consider such a trade. First and foremost is their own salary cap situation. Like many teams, the Chargers are facing financial constraints, and with Justin Herbert‘s contract extension on the horizon, the team could be looking to free up some space by parting with high-paying players like Andrews.

Another factor contributing to the Chargers’ willingness to trade Andrews is the development of their younger players. Gerald Everett, the team’s current starting tight end, has shown flashes of potential and could fill a more prominent role in the offense moving forward. Additionally, the Chargers have invested heavily in other positions, including their wide receiver corps and defensive line, and could see trading Andrews as a way to reallocate resources to other areas.

The Chargers may also be eyeing the draft for a tight end replacement, making the move even more feasible. With the wealth of talent available in the 2025 draft class, Los Angeles could find a young tight end who could step in and become a significant contributor, allowing them to move on from Andrews without sacrificing much in the way of production.

4. The Case for a Trade: What the Ravens Could Offer

For the trade to work, the Ravens would need to part with some valuable assets to make the deal appealing to the Chargers. Given their financial challenges, the team could look to send over players who are on high-value contracts but no longer fit into the long-term plans of the team.

One possibility for the Ravens is to trade Ronnie Stanley, their star left tackle who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Stanley’s contract is one of the largest on the team, and while he is still a talented player when healthy, his inconsistency and injury concerns could make him a candidate for a trade. With the emergence of Ja’Wuan James and other young players on the offensive line, the Ravens may be willing to part with Stanley in exchange for a proven playmaker like Andrews.

Additionally, the Ravens could offer Patrick Queen, a young linebacker who has shown flashes of potential but may not be a long-term fit in Baltimore’s defensive scheme. Queen could appeal to the Chargers as a young, athletic player who can step in and contribute right away.

In terms of draft compensation, the Ravens could offer their 2025 second or third-round pick as part of the deal. Given Andrews’ age and contract status, the Chargers may not demand a first-round pick, but the combination of players and draft capital could be enough to seal the deal.

5. The Impact on Both Teams

If the trade were to go through, it would have a significant impact on both teams. For the Ravens, adding a player like Mark Andrews would instantly elevate their passing game and give Lamar Jackson a dependable weapon to work with. Jackson has shown an ability to connect with tight ends in the past, and Andrews’ presence would complement the existing weapons on offense. The trade would also help the Ravens shift their offensive scheme to better utilize Andrews as a primary receiving threat.

For the Chargers, parting with Andrews would undoubtedly be a tough pill to swallow, but it would allow them to reallocate their cap space in a more efficient manner. The departure of Andrews could open up the door for Gerald Everett to step into a bigger role, while giving the team added flexibility to address other needs in free agency and the draft.

Additionally, the Chargers would be able to invest more heavily in their passing attack by bringing in new pieces on the outside to complement Justin Herbert and his impressive arsenal of receivers. With the right assets and draft picks, the Chargers could reload quickly and remain contenders in the AFC.

6. The Long-Term Outlook

The long-term outlook for both teams hinges on the success of this trade. For the Ravens, acquiring a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end like Mark Andrews would solidify their offensive attack and make them more dynamic and balanced. This move would give Lamar Jackson the necessary tools to thrive in a more pass-friendly offense, while also maintaining the team’s identity as a run-heavy squad.

For the Chargers, the move could help them in terms of cap flexibility and long-term roster construction. With Justin Herbert under contract for the foreseeable future, the team must balance its finances and prioritize areas of need, such as the offensive line and secondary. Trading away Mark Andrews could ultimately be a step toward creating a more well-rounded roster capable of competing for championships in the near future.