The Chargers, Panthers could target trade candidate Mark Andrews despite receiving a new bonus from his contract. According to a report, the tight end staying with the Baltimore Ravens becomes more likely as the team picked up his $4 million bonus this past week which signals he will stay on the roster, for now. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma product was in the dark for the first half of the offseason. After being one of the men responsible for the brutal loss against the Bills, the future of Andrews was up in the air even though the organization did defend him post-matchup.
The All-Pro has been struggling for the past two seasons after losing his job to the emergence of Isaiah Likely. It gave Baltimore an option of whether to cut or trade him whenever they want since they already have a capable tight end to help Lamar Jackson’s passing offense. Andrews may be safe for now, but it shouldn’t be surprising if the team considers trading him in the future during the 2025 season. If they do, they should while he’s aging and depleting even though he did put in 55 catches, 673 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Andrews has room for improvement but if the Ravens consider a trade this upcoming season, these two teams should be the first ones to knock on the offer.
Chargers, Panthers Could Target Trade Candidate Mark Andrews Despite Bonus
Help for Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers free agency was more of a bargain hunt for quarterback Justin Herbert, so they should find exceptional talent to improve its pass game. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey had one of the best seasons last year as a rookie but he needs help if the Chargers want to see consistency from him. Speaking of that, Quentin Johnston hasn’t been successful in the pass-catching unit as they could cut him if he doesn’t improve. Mike Williams won’t single-handedly save the entire offense so the Chargers need to find a capable tight end if it comes down to it.
Mark Andrews might be past his prime and isn’t the same playmaker as before, he could give the Chargers a boost. Will Dissly had a few bright shot moments on the field but it’s nothing special where he’s earned the full-time start. Perhaps, he and Andrews could form a tandem while the Chargers at least find a wide receiver in this year’s draft to develop next season.
Bolstering Young’s Pass Game
For the Panthers, the future of this offense looks bright but if they want to have a winning record, they should find another veteran to complement this pass-catching group. Fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders had a solid rookie year but he’s still developing so the team can’t invest in him as the full-time starter, especially after giving Tommy Tremble a two-year deal. Perhaps, they could find another capable to salvage the entire offense.
Adam Thielen is probably retiring next year and they will probably be the youngest team in the league. Head Coach Dave Canales must put Young in the best position to win. While the Ravens will prefer to trade Andrews to the NFC, the Panthers might allow it if it means using the veteran to build off what he started at the end of last year.
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