Ravens Stun NFL with Trade of Star Pass-Catcher to Boost Giants’ Offense

Baltimore,Su  – April 20, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens have rocked the NFL, trading their star pass-catcher to the New York Giants in a stunning deal ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. The blockbuster move, confirmed by league sources, sends a three-time Pro Bowler to New York in exchange for a fifth-round pick, reshaping both teams’ trajectories.

This elite tight end, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offense, recorded 55 receptions, 673 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2024. However, a career-low 39.6 yards per game and a critical dropped two-point conversion in a 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills sparked scrutiny. At 29, with a $16.9 million cap hit in his contract’s final year, his departure frees $11 million, per Spotrac.

The Ravens, led by General Manager Eric DeCosta, capitalized on the emergence of Isaiah Likely, who notched 11 touchdowns over two seasons, including six in six games as a 2023 replacement. Likely’s readiness allowed DeCosta to secure draft capital while maintaining offensive firepower for Lamar Jackson, who threw for 41 touchdowns in 2024.

The Giants, desperate to bolster their passing game, view the acquisition as a coup. After parting ways with Daniel Jones, New York signed a veteran quarterback in 2025 free agency. The tight end, a proven red-zone threat, becomes a primary target alongside Malik Nabers, easing pressure on Wan’Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson.

Sterling Xie of Pro Football & Sports Network hailed the trade as a “low-cost, high-reward” move for the Giants. The tight end’s experience could mentor Johnson, a 2024 fourth-rounder, while providing a reliable option for New York’s quarterback. At 30 by September, his durability remains a concern, but his pedigree suggests impact.

For Baltimore, the trade aligns with DeCosta’s youth-driven strategy. With $12.7 million in cap space and 11 draft picks, including five in the first four rounds, the Ravens can target defensive backs or edge rushers. John Harbaugh’s earlier support for the tight end gave way to Likely’s ascent, softening the blow.

The deal shifts the AFC-NFC balance. The Giants gain a weapon to climb the NFC East, while the Ravens bank on Likely, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry to sustain their 12-5 offense. Critics question Baltimore’s decision to part with a franchise icon, but supporters see a calculated step toward flexibility.

As the April 24-26 draft looms, Eric DeCosta’s bold move underscores Baltimore’s adaptability. The Giants, under Brian Daboll, now boast a revitalized attack, while Ravens fans await Likely’s breakout. This trade’s ripple effects will echo through the 2025 season.