Mark Andrews of the Ravens is included in the Chargers’ stunning trade forecast.

As the NFL offseason intensifies, and teams look to make strategic moves to bolster their rosters for the 2025 season, one name that has recently been linked to trade rumors is Mark Andrews, the star tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. The Los Angeles Chargers, a team with a strong roster that is aiming to take the next step toward championship contention, have reportedly shown significant interest in trading for Andrews, according to various trade forecasts and reports.

This surprising trade forecast has raised many eyebrows around the NFL, as Mark Andrews is widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the league. He has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense since being drafted in 2018, and his chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson has been a key factor in the team’s success over the years. However, the potential trade has sparked much debate about both the possible benefits for the Chargers and the reasons why the Ravens might be open to parting with one of their most valuable offensive weapons.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind the Chargers’ interest in Mark Andrews, what a potential trade could mean for both teams, and how Andrews’ departure from Baltimore could impact the Ravens’ future. We’ll also explore how this move fits into the broader context of NFL roster construction and trade strategy.

Mark Andrews’ Impact on the Baltimore Ravens

Before diving into the trade speculation, it’s important to acknowledge just how integral Mark Andrews has been to the Ravens’ offense since his arrival. Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews quickly established himself as one of the most reliable and explosive tight ends in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and ability to make plays in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite and a go-to target for quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Throughout his career, Andrews has been a consistent producer for the Ravens, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. He has developed an exceptional rapport with Lamar Jackson, becoming one of the most dependable receiving threats in the Ravens’ offense. His ability to stretch the field as a vertical threat, combined with his proficiency as a blocker, makes him a versatile weapon in Baltimore’s run-heavy attack.

Mark Andrews has been more than just a reliable target in the passing game. He has proven time and time again that he can make spectacular catches in key moments. His performances in crucial games, including game-winning catches and long touchdowns, have solidified his place as one of the league’s top tight ends. His 2021 season, in particular, was remarkable, as he finished with 107 receptions for 1,361 yards and 9 touchdowns, setting multiple career highs.

However, as the Ravens look to build their roster and pursue a Super Bowl, the question of whether they can continue to afford such a high-caliber player at the tight end position is becoming more pressing. The Ravens’ offense is centered around Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, and Andrews has been the focal point of their passing game. But with salary cap considerations, the rise of other players, and potential team-building strategies, the idea of trading Andrews could be seen as a way to reallocate resources for a deeper roster.

Why the Chargers Are Interested in Mark Andrews

On the other side of the equation, the Los Angeles Chargers are a team that is looking to make a splash in the competitive AFC West. Despite having a talented roster, the Chargers have been unable to break through in recent years and contend for a Super Bowl. With quarterback Justin Herbert entering his prime, the Chargers are in a “win now” mode, making every offseason move crucial to their success.

The Chargers’ offense has been explosive in recent seasons, with Herbert developing into one of the league’s best quarterbacks. However, one area where the Chargers have consistently struggled is in their ability to establish a consistent and dominant tight end presence. Tight end Gerald Everett has been solid but has not become the elite threat that the Chargers hoped for when they signed him. The team has struggled to find a consistent target in the middle of the field, especially in high-leverage situations.

Mark Andrews represents a significant upgrade in this area. The Chargers’ offense, which is already stacked with talent in the form of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as running back Austin Ekeler, would benefit greatly from a top-tier tight end. Andrews would provide Justin Herbert with a reliable and dynamic weapon who can make plays in critical moments and stretch the field. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game would add another dimension to the Chargers’ already potent offense.

Moreover, Andrews’ ability to block effectively would also align with the Chargers’ needs in the running game. The team has struggled at times to establish a consistent ground game, and having a tight end who can contribute as a blocker would be a huge asset, especially when running behind Herbert on play-action passes.

In short, the Chargers are interested in Mark Andrews because he fits perfectly with their offensive needs. With the Chargers looking to add more weapons around Justin Herbert and deepen their offensive arsenal, Andrews would be the ideal target to make their offense even more dangerous.

What the Chargers Could Offer the Ravens

As with any trade, the question is not just about what a team wants but also what they are willing to offer in return. For the Ravens, trading Mark Andrews would require a significant package that reflects his value as one of the best tight ends in the league. The Chargers have a number of assets that could make such a trade possible.

The most obvious piece that the Chargers could offer is draft capital. The Ravens are known for their ability to draft well, and trading a player like Andrews could help them stockpile valuable picks in upcoming drafts. Whether it’s a first-round pick or a combination of second and third-round selections, draft capital would be a key consideration for the Ravens as they explore potential trades.

Another potential asset is young talent. The Chargers have several promising young players, including wide receiver Josh Palmer and defensive lineman Morgan Fox, who could be valuable additions to the Ravens roster. While the Chargers’ roster isn’t loaded with elite young talent, they do have some pieces that could help bolster the Ravens’ depth, particularly at positions where they might need upgrades.

If the Chargers are serious about landing Andrews, they would likely need to offer a combination of both draft picks and players to make the trade work. The Ravens would be reluctant to part with such a key piece of their offense, but the right offer could make it a reality.

The Impact of a Trade on the Ravens

Should the Ravens choose to trade Mark Andrews, the impact on the team would be significant. Andrews is a vital component of their offensive identity, and losing him would leave a considerable hole in the passing game. While the Ravens have other receiving options, including Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, none of them possess the same level of consistency and reliability as Andrews.

Without Andrews, the Ravens would need to turn to other players to fill the void. Tight end Isaiah Likely, a second-year player, has shown potential and could be a candidate to step into a larger role. However, it’s unclear whether Likely has the ability to be the kind of game-changing threat that Andrews has been throughout his career.

Another consideration for the Ravens is their ability to continue building a balanced roster. With a potential trade for Andrews, the Ravens could use the assets they receive in return to strengthen other areas of need, such as the wide receiver corps, offensive line, or even the defensive side of the ball. This could open the door for new offensive strategies and a shift in how the Ravens approach their offensive scheme, especially under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

However, trading Andrews would also be a risky move, as it could disrupt the chemistry that has developed between him and Lamar Jackson over the years. The Ravens have been at their best when they have been able to lean on Jackson’s dual-threat ability, with Andrews as a reliable option in the passing game. Removing that piece could take away a crucial safety net for Jackson, potentially impacting his performance and confidence.

The Bigger Picture: NFL Trade Strategy and the Chargers’ Aspirations

In the broader context, a potential trade for Mark Andrews represents the Chargers’ commitment to competing at the highest level in the AFC. The Chargers are a team on the rise, with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, but they have yet to fully capitalize on their potential. By adding a player of Andrews’ caliber, they would be signaling their readiness to contend with the best teams in the conference, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

For the Ravens, trading a player like Andrews would be a monumental decision. While the team could benefit from added draft capital or young players in return, the loss of one of their most reliable offensive weapons could change the course of their future. If the Ravens decide to pull the trigger on a trade, they will need to carefully weigh the long-term benefits of adding assets against the short-term impact of losing a key piece of their offense.

Ultimately, this trade forecast between the Ravens and Chargers represents the unpredictable nature of the NFL offseason. Both teams are looking to make moves that will position them for success, and a trade of this magnitude would have far-reaching implications for both franchises. Whether or not this trade comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the conversation surrounding Mark Andrews’ potential move to the Chargers highlights the constant changes and strategic moves that define the league.