Going into this year's NFL trade deadline, the Seattle Seahawks need to figure out exactly where their priority should be. In a difficult division that has three teams currently with five wins and we're only eight weeks in, things are as tight as ever in the NFC West.
How do the Seahawks make a move (or two) to take a step above the herd? One idea that's been floated out there by Bleacher Report has the Seahawks taking a shot on Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.
In this deal, the Seahawks give up a fifth rounder next year.
A Seahawks-Mark Andrews trade isn't exactly a deal that moves the needle
This is a polarizing trade for a couple of reasons. First, Andrews is clearly aging. He showed signs, last year, of not necessarily being at the top of his game at this point. The tough part about that potnetial miscalculation, though, is that he's had moments this year which make him look like the same, old stud he's always been.
It's tough to figure out which version the Seahawks would be getting, or at least how long they'd get the upside of Andrews. The one thing we do know is that Andrews has been a Ravens fan favorite for a long time, now. It isn't quite to the level of signing Cooper Kupp after his stint with the Rams, but it's up there.
Secondly, this is not necessarily a glaring need for Seattle. Andrews would be the clear starter in this room, but are we really going to look past AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo, here? Sure, Barner and Arroyo are younger and the Seahawks should have them for a little longer.
But, essentially tossing them to the side (lowering their snaps) in favor of Andrews is a curious decision. Barner has been better than most give him credit for this year and has totaled a surprising four touchdowns on 18 receptions.
Arroyo will take a little longer to develop, but that's typical with rookie tight ends.
I suppose it couldn't hurt adding Andrews as he is in the final year of his contract. But, giving up a fifth-round pick for just a one-year rental still seems a little rich. The other factor, here, is that the Ravens may not necessarily be selling.
Baltimore is 2-5, yes, but they have quite a real chance at being 6-5 here in the next four weeks after playing the Dolphins, Vikings, Browns and Jets. Not to mention, their following three games include two against the Bengals. So, don't count them out just yet.
Would Andrews be a nice addition for, let's say, a sixth-round pick? Sure, he would. But, this isn't necessarily a slam-dunk.