Baltimore, Fr – April 18, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens are stirring the NFL rumor mill, with speculation mounting that their star tight end could be traded before the 2025 NFL Draft. Industry analysts, including Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, have identified four AFC teams as potential landing spots, signaling a possible end to the veteran’s tenure with the franchise.
The tight end, a three-time Pro Bowler, recorded 673 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 but posted a career-low 39.6 yards per game. A critical dropped two-point conversion in a 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills raised questions about his clutch reliability. With a $16.9 million cap hit in the final year of his $56 million contract, trading him could save $11 million, per Spotrac.
General Manager Eric DeCosta fueled rumors with vague comments, calling the tight end “a warrior” but avoiding guarantees about his future. This contrasts with coach John Harbaugh’s stance that the player remains integral. The emergence of Isaiah Likely, who posted 477 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, gives Baltimore a viable replacement, amplifying trade chatter.
One potential destination is the Indianapolis Colts, who could offer picks No. 117 and 232 to bolster Anthony Richardson’s passing game. The Colts’ tight end group, led by Kylen Granson, lacks a proven playmaker, making the Ravens’ veteran an ideal fit to accelerate their rebuild.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, holding picks No. 126 and 221, are another contender. Trevor Lawrence needs reliable targets beyond Evan Engram, and the tight end’s experience could stabilize Jacksonville’s inconsistent offense, which ranked 22nd in scoring last season.
The New York Jets, with picks No. 110 and 207, are also in play. Justin Fields, acquired to spark their offense, would benefit from a seasoned pass-catcher to complement Garrett Wilson. The Jets’ aggressive roster-building makes this a plausible move.
The Los Angeles Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh, round out the list. Their run-heavy scheme aligns with the tight end’s blocking and red-zone prowess, offering a fresh start with Justin Herbert. A trade could yield a mid-round pick, sources say.
With 11 draft picks and $12.7 million in cap space, Eric DeCosta faces a pivotal decision. Trading the tight end risks disrupting Lamar Jackson’s chemistry, but Isaiah Likely’s upside and a deep tight end draft class could justify the move. As the draft nears, Baltimore’s choice will reshape the AFC landscape.