Baltimore,Fr – April 25, 2025
The Carolina Panthers have pulled off a stunning trade, acquiring a star tight end from the Baltimore Ravens to ignite their offense around quarterback Bryce Young. The deal, finalized on the eve of the 2025 NFL Draft’s second day, sends a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder to Baltimore, sources confirmed, reshaping both teams’ trajectories.
This three-time Pro Bowl tight end, a linchpin of Baltimore’s attack, recorded 55 receptions, 673 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Despite a career-low 39.6 yards per game and a dropped two-point conversion in a 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, his red-zone prowess remains elite. At 29, with a $16.9 million cap hit in his contract’s final year, he’s a high-upside addition for Carolina.
The Panthers, 5-12 in 2024, saw Young surge late, posting 612 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions in his final three games. Yet, their receiving corps—led by an aging Adam Thielen and unproven Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker—lacks a focal point. The tight end, likened to Travis Kelce for his reliability, becomes Young’s go-to target, mentoring youngsters Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders.
“He’s the piece Carolina’s been missing,” analyst Marissa Myers told ESPN. “Young needs a safety blanket, and this guy delivers.” The Ravens, meanwhile, bank on Isaiah Likely’s 477 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 to fill the void. Trading their veteran saves $11 million, per Spotrac, fueling Eric DeCosta’s youth movement with 10 remaining draft picks.
DeCosta’s noncommittal stance on the tight end, noted by Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, signaled openness to a “legit offer.” The Panthers pounced, betting on the tight end’s experience to elevate Young in his pivotal third year. Risks linger: his recent dip and age (30 by September) raise durability concerns, but his pedigree screams impact.
The Ravens’ 12-5 squad leans on Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry to sustain their attack, while Likely steps into the spotlight. For Carolina, coach Dave Canales envisions a revitalized offense challenging the NFC South. “This changes everything,” a Panthers source said anonymously.
As the draft rolls on through April 26, the trade reverberates. Will the tight end transform Young’s game, or will Likely steal the show in Baltimore? Drop your take below! #RavensFlock #KeepPounding
