The Baltimore Ravens entered draft weekend with some big decisions looming around Mark Andrews’ future. Trade speculation had been swirling for weeks, fueled by Andrews’ contract situation, Isaiah Likely’s rise, and some carefully worded comments from General Manager Eric DeCosta. But Friday night, after the conclusion of Rounds 2 and 3, DeCosta seemed to finally put the rumors to rest.
“At this point, I really expect Mark to be on this team,” DeCosta said. “Great player. Love him. Competitive, tough, playmaker. I would expect him to be on the team.”
The timing of the comment matters. With two days down and Day 3 about to kick off, it’s safe to say the window for an Andrews draft-day trade has likely closed. And with Andrews, Likely, and Charlie Kolar still in the building, don’t expect the Ravens to spend one of their remaining eight picks on a tight end either.
Ravens shift focus away from tight end after DeCosta’s message
Andrews staying in Baltimore for 2025 isn’t a huge shock—he’s the franchise’s all-time touchdown leader and still one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets. But there was enough smoke around a potential deal that a Day 2 trade felt very much in play, especially if a team like the Chargers, Jets, or Colts pushed the issue. Now it feels like that moment has all but passed.
Could a fourth-rounder and a late pick still get a deal done? Potentially. Andrews’ market was never going to demand a first or second-rounder at this stage. But based on DeCosta’s tone—and the Ravens’ current roster needs—it doesn’t seem like Baltimore is looking to move him during the draft. Not anymore at least. Why create a problem to find a solution to when they don't have to?
So what that really means is that the Ravens’ draft board just got a little clearer. Tight end was a potential sneaky need because of the long-term picture: Andrews, Likely, and Kolar are all free agents after the 2025 season. It would’ve made sense to draft and stash a developmental player if they were worried about next offseason. Now, that feels highly unlikely.
With Andrews expected back, Baltimore’s tight end group—Andrews, Likely, and Kolar—is back to being the deepest in the league. The Ravens can turn their full attention to addressing other areas like cornerback depth or an interior defensive lineman. They really don't need anything else. Maybe a natural swing tackle.
DeCosta didn’t completely shut the door on big moves down the line. Andrews’ $16.9 million cap hit and looming free agency will still hang over the franchise until something more permanent gets done. But for now, the Ravens’ offense stays intact—and Day 3 just got a little easier to navigate.