Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
With Mark Andrews trade rumors circulating and Michael Mayer emerging as a potentially game-changing target, the Baltimore Ravens are faced with a tight end problem.
The Baltimore Ravens have long relied on their tight end position to be a pivotal element of their offensive attack. From dominating in the red zone to providing a security blanket for quarterback Lamar Jackson, the tight end has played an indispensable role in the team’s success. Mark Andrews, one of the top tight ends in the NFL, has been at the heart of the Ravens’ offense since he was drafted in 2018. However, with rumors swirling around his potential trade and the rise of rookie tight end Michael Mayer as a game-changing target, the Ravens find themselves at a crossroads. Is the end of the Mark Andrews era in Baltimore imminent, or is Michael Mayer poised to lead a new chapter for the Ravens’ tight end group?
The Mark Andrews Dilemma
Mark Andrews’ Impact on the Ravens’ Offense
Mark Andrews has been the centerpiece of the Ravens’ passing game since his arrival. A former third-round pick out of Oklahoma, Andrews quickly became Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target, developing a strong chemistry that translated into consistent production. With over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in just four seasons, Andrews has solidified his place among the NFL’s elite tight ends. His ability to create mismatches against defenders, especially in the red zone, has been a key asset for Baltimore, giving Jackson a reliable outlet in key moments.
Whether it’s in the short passing game, where Andrews excels as a safety valve, or as a downfield threat, where his athleticism and size create problems for defenders, Andrews has proven himself as an all-around weapon. With his big-play ability and strong blocking skills, Andrews fits perfectly in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, offering versatility to both the passing and ground games.
The Trade Rumors
Despite his undeniable talent and central role in the offense, recent trade rumors have cast doubt on Andrews’ future in Baltimore. Reports have emerged suggesting that the Ravens are at least entertaining the idea of moving Andrews, with speculation swirling that the Ravens could trade their star tight end in an effort to clear cap space or reshape the roster. Although Andrews’ contract is not overly burdensome, the Ravens have long been known for making calculated decisions based on financial flexibility, and moving Andrews could free up much-needed cap space as they look to build a championship-contending team around Lamar Jackson.
Additionally, the trade rumors could be indicative of the Ravens’ desire to make a shift in their offensive strategy. While Andrews has been a top performer, the team’s approach to building around Jackson has evolved. The Ravens are increasingly focused on creating a dynamic, diverse offense that is less reliant on a single player. As the Ravens look to add more weapons to their passing game, Andrews’ value as a trade asset has only grown. Teams in need of a top-tier tight end, such as contenders looking for a reliable red-zone target, would likely be interested in acquiring him.
It’s unclear how serious the Ravens are about trading Andrews, but the rumors have put a cloud of uncertainty over the team’s tight end position. If a trade were to happen, it would mark the end of an era in Baltimore, but it could also signal the beginning of a new era—one that might include Michael Mayer.
Financial Considerations
From a financial perspective, Andrews’ current contract plays a significant role in the trade conversation. Andrews signed a four-year, $56 million extension in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. While his contract is structured in a way that makes him relatively affordable in the short term, the Ravens will need to make a decision about his long-term future as they work to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster. Trading Andrews could be an appealing option for a team looking to rebuild or retool, especially if the Ravens can find a way to get valuable assets in return.
For the Ravens, it comes down to whether they believe they can move forward without Andrews and whether the benefits of a trade would outweigh the loss of one of their most productive offensive players. As the team continues to build for the future, the financial flexibility gained from trading Andrews could allow them to address other areas of need.
The Emergence of Michael Mayer
A Rising Star
As the Ravens potentially prepare for life without Mark Andrews, all eyes have turned to Michael Mayer, a rookie tight end out of Notre Dame who has quickly earned the attention of the Ravens’ coaching staff. Known for his exceptional blocking ability and well-rounded skill set, Mayer has the potential to be a game-changing weapon for Baltimore’s offense. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 250 pounds, Mayer possesses the size and athleticism needed to be an effective red-zone threat, much like Andrews, but also brings a level of versatility that could elevate the Ravens’ offense to new heights.
At Notre Dame, Mayer was widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country, finishing his college career with 2,099 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. His combination of hands, route-running precision, and blocking ability made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mayer’s performance at the combine further solidified his status as one of the top tight ends available, as he impressed scouts with his athleticism and football IQ.
Mayer’s Fit in Baltimore
Mayer’s addition to the Ravens’ roster represents a unique opportunity to not only replace Andrews but to potentially improve upon the tight end position. While Andrews is a highly effective weapon in the passing game, Mayer offers the same capabilities with a more balanced skill set. His blocking ability is one of his standout attributes, which would allow the Ravens to continue their run-first offensive approach while also adding a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
Lamar Jackson, known for his improvisational style and ability to extend plays, would greatly benefit from Mayer’s ability to create separation and run precise routes. The chemistry between Mayer and Jackson could quickly develop into one of the most potent quarterback-tight end duos in the league, and Mayer’s blocking would allow Jackson more time to survey the field. As the Ravens continue to transition toward a more dynamic passing attack, Mayer could emerge as the focal point of the offense.
Mayer as a Game-Changer
While Andrews is undoubtedly an elite talent, Mayer’s versatility could give the Ravens more options in their offensive game plan. Whether it’s creating mismatches against defenders with his size or contributing as a reliable third-down target, Mayer could unlock new facets of the Ravens’ offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally, combined with his strength as a blocker, would give the Ravens the flexibility to deploy him in a variety of roles, making the offense less predictable and more difficult to defend.
If Mayer can step in and quickly make an impact, he could become a key contributor in Baltimore’s quest for a Super Bowl title. With his potential to thrive as both a pass catcher and a blocker, Mayer offers the Ravens the kind of dual-threat tight end that could take their offense to another level.
The Ravens’ Tight End Depth
The Ravens’ tight end depth chart behind Andrews and Mayer has also raised some questions. Baltimore has a few other players on the roster who could play significant roles, including likely backups and special teams contributors. However, Mayer’s development as a key offensive weapon will play a major part in determining whether the Ravens will need to make additional moves or if their tight end position is set for the future.
As the team’s offensive strategy continues to evolve, tight ends will remain integral to the Ravens’ success. Whether it’s using the position to block on running plays or serving as a reliable target in the passing game, the tight end will continue to be a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive identity.
The Future of the Ravens’ Tight End Position
Looking ahead, the Ravens face a critical decision on how to approach their tight end position. Will they trade Mark Andrews and fully embrace Michael Mayer as the new face of the unit? Or will Andrews remain in Baltimore, continuing to provide a high level of play alongside the rising star Mayer? These questions will define the Ravens’ tight end future and could have a lasting impact on their Super Bowl aspirations.
As the Ravens weigh their options, one thing is clear: the tight end position will remain one of the most important positions on the field. Whether with Andrews, Mayer, or a combination of both, the Ravens will need to make sure that they have the right players to support Lamar Jackson and create an offense capable of competing for championships.
In the end, the decision about Andrews’ future will shape the Ravens’ offensive direction, and Michael Mayer’s emergence could be the catalyst for a new era in Baltimore football.
