Baltimore,Mo – April 21, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have jolted the NFL landscape, acquiring an elite tight end from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a blockbuster trade to overhaul their passing attack. The deal, finalized days before the 2025 NFL Draft, sends a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Jacksonville, sources confirm.
This two-time Pro Bowl tight end, aged 30, hauled in 81 receptions for 766 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, showcasing speed and crisp route-running. His $8.25 million base salary for 2025 fits within Baltimore’s $12.7 million cap space, per Over the Cap, making him a seamless addition to a high-octane offense led by Lamar Jackson.
The trade marks a bold pivot for the Ravens, who parted ways with their longtime tight end cornerstone. That player, a three-time Pro Bowler, posted 673 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 but struggled with a career-low 39.6 yards per game. A dropped two-point conversion in a 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills fueled doubts, prompting the shift.
Isaiah Likely, with 11 touchdowns over two seasons, steps into a larger role after shining as a 2023 replacement (six scores in six games). The new tight end, however, brings veteran polish to complement Likely, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry, ensuring Jackson’s 41-touchdown passing game remains potent.
Sayre Bedinger of FanSided lauded the acquisition as a “win-now” move, aligning with Eric DeCosta’s aggressive offseason. The Jaguars, seeking draft capital for Trevor Lawrence’s supporting cast, capitalized on their depth with Evan Engram’s contract nearing its 2025 expiration. Jacksonville’s 22nd-ranked scoring offense justified the trade.
The Ravens’ financial calculus is shrewd. Trading their former tight end saved $11 million, offsetting the newcomer’s cap hit. With 11 draft picks, including five in the first four rounds, DeCosta retains flexibility to target defensive backs or edge rushers, per John Harbaugh’s priorities.
Critics question the cost—a third-round pick—for a player with one year left on his deal, especially with Likely’s promise. Supporters argue the tight end’s athleticism elevates Baltimore’s 20th-ranked passing game, critical against AFC foes like the Kansas City Chiefs.
As the April 24-26 draft approaches, Eric DeCosta’s gamble signals Baltimore’s all-in approach. The Ravens, 12-5 in 2024, now boast a revamped offense poised to challenge for a Super Bowl. Fans await the tight end’s debut alongside Jackson in training camp.
