Mark Andrews' three-year $39 million extension never made much sense for the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old's production was declining, and this is top dollar for a tight end.
It becomes worse when you realize that this is very much a long-term investment, as Andrews got a $9.2 million option earlier in March and $5 million of his 2027 salary has become fully guaranteed. Andrews' contract already cost the Ravens a chance at re-signing Isaiah Likely, and now it could prevent them from drafting Kenyon Sadiq.
The Ravens' need for another pass catcher is glaring. Most of the dialogue is around the Ravens drafting a wide receiver to complement Zay Flowers. Nevertheless, if Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon are off the board at pick 14, Sadiq could be an ideal option to give Lamar Jackson an extra weapon. Plus, finding a long-term successor to Andrews is logical.
It's also possible that Sadiq is so talented that he'd flat-out be a better pick than Tyson or Lemon.
The problem is that Eric DeCosta is unlikely to invest a first-round pick in a tight end after paying Andrews so handsomely, while also having other significant needs.
Kenyon Sadiq would be a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens
Things get even more unfortunate when you look at just how skilled Sadiq is. The Oregon product is a freaky athlete running a 4.39 40-yard dash and posting a 43-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. Per NFL.com, he has a 95 athleticism score, which is first among tight ends.
These elite athletic tools give Sadiq a WR-like skill set and an immense amount of upside. That could make him a possible weapon to become the secondary option behind Flowers, but if they go that route, the Ravens would likely want a true wide receiver.
He reeled in 560 yards and eight touchdowns last season. As a redzone threat, deep target, or every-down tight end, Sadiq has clear upside. He can also provide some extra blocking.
For a new look Ravens offense that is trying to lean into explosive plays, Sadiq is a picture-perfect fit. Whereas a declining Andrews simply isn't a great fit.
As noted earlier, Sadiq might be the best realistic fit for the Ravens. Tyson's injury concerns and Lemon's fit next to Flowers shouldn't be dealbreakers for the Ravens, but both of these concerns are worth noting.
I don't think Sadiq is leaps and bounds better than other realistic Ravens draft targets. Nevertheless, he clearly has enough positive traits to be in play for Baltimore at pick 14, but extending Andrews makes drafting him a bit unrealistic.
Surprises always happen, so maybe the Ravens double down on the tight end position with Sadiq, but that certainly feels unlikely. Signing a veteran tight end or drafting one in a later round feels like the most probable outcome.