Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta had a telling response on Tuesday when asked about veteran tight end Mark Andrews’ future with the team, and the comments could signal that a breakout is coming for one of the team’s star players.
DeCosta was asked on Tuesday if the Ravens would consider trading Andrews before or during the upcoming NFL Draft. The GM made it clear that he has not ruled it out.
“I never know what’s going to happen,” DeCosta said. “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.”
If the Ravens do trade Andrews, the road would be paved for Isaiah Likely to become a top option in Baltimore’s passing game.
Likely looked like he had a chance to overtake Andrews as the Ravens’ No. 1 tight end last season. With Andrews banged up to start the year, Likely exploded for nine catches, 111 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. That proved to be his best game of the season, though he still posted career-high numbers across the board with 42 catches, 477 yards and six touchdowns.
Andrews started out slow but wound up outpacing Likely with 55 catches, 673 yards and 11 touchdowns. He remained one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets, and that theme could continue next season if the 29-year-old remains on the roster.
But if Andrews is dealt, Likely appears poised to take advantage. The former Coastal Carolina star will turn 25 on Friday. He has already shown what he can do when given the opportunity, and he is entering a contract year.
The stars will be aligned for Likely if the Ravens choose to part ways with Andrews.
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