Tight end Mark Andrews has been a featured part of the Baltimore Ravens passing attack since entering the league, but the team could cut him in the coming weeks. A former third-round pick, Andrews grew along with fellow 2018 draftee Lamar Jackson to establish himself as one of the league’s better receiving tight ends. While he never matched the greatness of guys like Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce, Andrews made three Pro Bowls during his seven years in the league.
While he ended the season with a disastrous performance in the AFC Divisional Round, the tight end largely remained productive throughout the season. Appearing in all 17 games, Andrews recorded 55 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping the team win the AFC North. However, this might not be enough to save his job, as the emergence of Isaiah Likely has made Andrews expendable. Glenn Erby of RavensWire points out Baltimore can save almost $5 million by cutting him, and they’ll need as much cap space as possible to retain key free agents like Ronnie Stanley.
While nobody wants to be cut, this is not the end of the road for Mark Andrews. Reliable pass-catching tight ends are hard to find, and any of the following five teams could be interested in Andrews if he becomes available.
Ravens Likely to Cut Mark Andrews – 5 Teams Could Land Him
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have their franchise quarterback in UNC’s Drake Maye. Now they must find some way to support him. The Patriots were a dumpster fire last year, armed with the league’s worst receivers, offensive line, and coaching staff. Mike Vrabel should be a massive upgrade on Jerod Mayo, but it won’t matter if the players don’t improve. Hunter Henry is still an adequate tight end, but Andrews would be an upgrade and give New England two reliable pass-catching tight ends. With nearly $120 million in cap space, the Patriots can add Andrews without compromising their ability to improve the rest of the roster.
Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce is one of the few tight ends to eclipse Mark Andrews over the past few years, but the three-time Super Bowl champion could be calling it a career. While nothing is official, Kelce alluded to retiring throughout the season and has slowed down. If the Ravens cut Mark Andrews and Kelce retires, the former Raven is a natural choice to replace the future Hall of Famer in this passing attack. While he won’t match peak Kelce’s production, he could easily develop into one of Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets.
New York Giants
The New York Giants will have a new quarterback in 2025, but nobody knows who it will be. However, whether it’s Miami’s Cam Ward, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, or a veteran, the supporting cast must improve if Brian Daboll wants to save his job. Malik Nabers is a budding superstar and Wan’Dale Robinson is a solid possession receiver, but they could use a veteran tight end to serve as a security blanket for the next quarterback. Mark Andrews is an ideal choice for the job and would be a natural fit if the Giants cut him.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert guided the Los Angeles Chargers to the playoffs despite having one of the worst supporting casts in football. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like the real deal, but he’s the only reliable pass-catcher on the roster. Veteran Will Dissly did an adequate job last year, but the team should use a portion of their $63.4 million in projected cap space to find an upgrade. If the Ravens cut him, the Chargers have the money to outbid just about anyone for Mark Andrews.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have three promising young playmakers in Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, and each player showed some signs of life through their rookie seasons. While these three have high ceilings, they also have low floors. If Carolina wants Bryce Young to continue developing, they should invest in a proven veteran like Mark Andrews. Andrews won’t stop Sanders from reaching his potential, but he can provide above-average play if the former fourth-round pick can’t make the Year 2 leap.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – Imagn Images
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