Fans of the entire NFL have witnessed a series of unfortunate events that have clouded the future of Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.
The likely future Hall of Famer’s performance in the Divisional Round of last year’s playoffs was nothing short of catastrophic and has left a permanent mark on both his legacy and the Ravens’ 2024 season.
In a heartbreaking fourth quarter, Andrews lost control of the ball on a fumble, followed by a critical drop on a two-point conversion attempt.
Those two plays didn’t just end the Ravens’ playoff hopes – they crushed the team’s momentum and left a heavy stain on the résumé of one of the league’s most respected tight ends.
Andrews had long been a key figure in Baltimore’s offense and among the NFL’s elite tight ends.
But a string of unfortunate events – starting with an ankle injury that cut his 2023 season short and followed by a preseason car crash – has taken its toll on his performance.
While he did manage a mid-season resurgence, the overall results of 2024 left much to be desired, with the early struggles and late-season collapse overshadowing his previous accomplishments.
Now, speculation looms over Andrews’ future with the Ravens.
Trade rumors have gained traction following comments from general manager Eric DeCosta, who sparked questions during a recent media session. When asked about Andrews’ future with the team, DeCosta was notably non-committal.
“Mark is going to go down as one of our great players – he’ll be in the [Ravens] Ring of Honor someday,” DeCosta said. “I love having Mark on the team – he’s an amazing player. I know he’s going to have an amazing season.
“We’ll figure out all of the roster machinations over the coming weeks, but I can tell you, there’s no bigger fan of Mark Andrews than me.”
However, just days later, DeCosta dropped a bombshell during the Ravens’ pre-draft news conference, leaving fans and analysts alike puzzled.
“I never know what’s going to happen,” DeCosta admitted. “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.”
While DeCosta’s comments praised Andrews’ effort and contributions, they also hinted at an uncertain future.
The Ravens may be evaluating their roster, and trading or releasing Andrews could provide financial flexibility.
Moving Andrews would save the team $11 million, though it would also leave $5.9 million in dead cap space. With rising star Isaiah Likely already on the roster as a potential successor, the Ravens have options.
As the situation develops, teams around the league will be watching closely.
If Baltimore does decide to part ways with Andrews, AFC North teams – especially the Pittsburgh Steelers – would be very happy to see him leave the division.
With the draft only a week away, we might not have to wait too long to see what the future holds for Andrews.
What are your thoughts on DeCosta’s comments? … Do you think Andrews has indeed played his last game in a Ravens uniform???
