Steelers' AFC North Rival Sends Odd Mixed Signals About Top Offensive Performer's Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several kinks to work out as the organization prepares for the 2025 regular season. While it is still months away, there are holes at the quarterback, running back, defensive line and safety positions as the NFL Draft inches closer. Putting together a formidable roster that has the capability of competing for a Super Bowl is important, but the franchise's decision-makers need to also worry about playing in a tough AFC North division. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are also looking to get better in all areas.

The Ravens have won the division the last two seasons and are likely to be the favorites once September rolls around, barring a significant injury. The rivalry between Pittsburgh and Baltimore cannot be understated as it never matters which team has more talent. Anything can happen when the two face off, and one of the bigger parts of the showdowns in recent years has been tight end Mark Andrews.

Not including the postseason, Andrews has 48 catches for 515 receiving yards in 11 total games versus the Steelers. Ironically, his first touchdown against Pittsburgh didn't come until 2024. He has, however, been as consistent as possible and a reliable third-down target. Isaiah Likely has taken some time away from him, and that could be causing some issues overall.

With a contract set to expire after 2025, it's not expected that Andrews continues his career with the Ravens afterwards; it's even possible that he could hang up his cleats earlier than anyone anticipated. General Manager Eric DeCosta spoke to the media on Tuesday and was asked by a reporter if the organization could consider trading the veteran on draft weekend.

"I never know what's going to happen Jeff, and I would never want to say this or that, but I can tell you this, Mark Andrews is a warrior, and he's played his butt off for us, and his competitiveness, his talent, his attitude [and] his leadership is so valued here," DeCosta said. "He's a great player, and we're in the business of keeping as many great players as we can, so there's always a lot of unpredictability with the draft."

Steelers fans certainly wouldn't be upset to see Andrews traded. He is a respectable competitor, but a talented tight end that has given Pittsburgh problems on the field for several seasons. Due to his age (nearing 30), he wouldn't get the Ravens too much in terms of a trade, but a contender with a need at the position could absolutely call on draft weekend, especially after DeCosta's comments. It's almost as if he was hinting at the fact that he would entertain conversations surrounding Andrews.

The NFL is a business and a difficult place for general managers to make decisions. While Andrews has given the Ravens seven solid years of football, which have included three Pro Bowl selections, it could be time to move on. 

With the promising upside of Likely ever-present, it might make sense for Baltimore to get some draft capital for Andrews while it can. If the team doesn't envision his hypothetical contract with another team in 2026 warranting a compensatory pick, it absolutely should be considered internally.

Steelers' Game-Planning Would Be Easier Without Andrews In Baltimore

Pittsburgh has enough to worry about when it comes to playing the Ravens. The team has a stout offense, which features one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Lamar Jackson. It's hard enough going up against the divisional rival twice a year, but all of the play-makers on the offensive side of the ball make it even tougher. Head Coach Mike Tomlin's job during Ravens week would get just a little bit easier if DeCosta does indeed make the decision to move on from Andrews via trade.

Do you think that the Ravens will end up trading Andrews so they can pay Likely as he enters the final season of his rookie deal? Let us know in the comments below!

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