Lamar Jackson has always had a knack for finding his tight ends, and that connection has been a cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens’ passing game since he took the reins as the starting quarterback in 2018. With offensive coordinators coming and going—first Greg Roman and now Todd Monken—one thing has remained consistent: Jackson’s reliance on tight ends, particularly Mark Andrews and, more recently, Isaiah Likely.
However, the narrative around Andrews has shifted. The Ravens’ star tight end has faced injuries recently, hampering his production and raising questions about his future with the team. As we look at the situation, it’s crucial to consider the potential for a trade that would shake things up in Baltimore.
Let’s examine what could happen if the Ravens were to send Andrews to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Michael Mayer. This hypothetical swap opens up the conversation about Baltimore’s tight end depth and how they can maximize their assets in a competitive AFC landscape.
Andrews started the season slowly, with just six receptions for 65 yards in the early weeks. As he enters the final year of his contract, the Ravens face some tough decisions. While trading Andrews might only save them about $7 million in cap space, it could provide an opportunity for a fresh start, both for him and the franchise. After all, who could forget the crushing playoff loss in Buffalo, where Andrews’ pivotal fumble and a dropped two-point conversion left a lingering cloud over the Ravens’ season?
The Raiders drafted Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with their 13th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, which could signal a shift in priorities for them. With Mayer, who was selected 36th overall in 2023, finding himself in a crowded tight end room, it might be time for both teams to consider a trade that could benefit them. Mayer has shown potential but hasn’t quite thrived under less-than-ideal quarterback play in Las Vegas, failing to break the 500-yard receiving mark in consecutive seasons.
With fresh legs and a new environment, Mayer could fit right into Baltimore’s tight end-centric approach, providing Jackson the reliable target he needs. On the flip side, Andrews at 30 years old could be looking for a change of scenery to revitalize his career and potentially pave the way for a new chapter in his professional life.
In summary, as both teams navigate their tactical futures, a trade involving Mark Andrews and Michael Mayer could be just the bold move the Ravens need to ramp up their offensive efficiency and rejuvenate their playoff aspirations. With a tight end-dependent scheme, the addition of Mayer could help Jackson push this team not just toward the postseason, but potentially toward that elusive Super Bowl.
