Baltimore Ravens veteran tight end Mark Andrews has seen his usage decline in recent weeks. Isaiah Likely has run more routes than Andrews in consecutive games. Andrews' flailing influence on the offense has been evident on tape, and Likely is a candidate to sign a lucrative extension.
The Ravens are an interesting spot with Andrews. They're 2-5 and he's on an expiring contract. Then again, superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson is slated to return from injury. The Ravens still believe they're capable of winning the AFC North, with the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-game losing streak.
Do the Ravens view Andrews as essential to their division-winning chances? If not, the seasoned pass-catcher could be moved before the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4). We've identified three potential landing spots for Andrews via trade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrews played four campaigns (2014-17) at Oklahoma alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who started those final three years. The two built a strong rapport and remain close friends today. The chemistry Mayfield and Andrews possessed in college would undoubtedly still be present on an NFL field.
The 6-2 Buccaneers are leading the NFC South, but the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons remain in contention. Todd Bowles' squad is dealing with various injuries, including significant ones on offense to Mike Evans, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch. Mayfield's outputs are starting to suffer as a result. Mayfield has thrown one touchdown in the previous two games while averaging under 200 passing yards. Andrews can't do what Evans does, but he could help a pass-catching core that's ravaged with injury.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos attempted to claim two tight ends off waivers earlier this week. They submitted claims on Brendan Bates and Ben Sims, but lost out to teams with a higher waiver wire priority. The Broncos also signed 41-year-old TE Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad. Sean Payton is obviously desperate to add another player at the position.
Would the Ravens trade Andrews to a team that’s a fellow AFC postseason contender? That's for Eric DeCosta to decide. Andrews should be on the Broncos' shortlist as they search for potential upgrades at a position of need. Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix is thriving, and he'd appreciate having another reliable weapon at his disposal.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are competing for a wild-card spot in the AFC. They're unlikely to catch the Indianapolis Colts and their NFL-best 7-1 record. That leaves the Jaguars is an extremely jumbled postseason race in a competitive conference. General manager James Gladstone should consider upgrading his roster near the deadline.
Starting tight end Brenton Strange remains on IR with a quadriceps injury. The Jaguars have been ill-equipped to deal with his absence. They've lost two consecutive contests, scoring 12 and 7 points in those respective setbacks. Liam Coen hasn't gotten any production from the TE position since Strange went down. Trevor Lawrence has missed having a sure-handed outlet here. Andrews would address a struggle spot for Trevor Lawrence.
