Andrew Buller-Russ
After 18 seasons under John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens have a first-year head coach, and Todd Monken and Declan Doyle are bringing a new offense to town. There’s no concern about the franchise quarterback, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson often puts the team on his back, but one could argue that the 29-year-old could use more help.
That’s where the team’s secondary playmakers come in. Star running back Derrick Henry is as reliable as they come. In the pass-catcher department, well, the Ravens just took some losses. Backup tight ends Isaiah Likely followed coach Harbaugh to New York, and Charlie Kolar joined Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, in Los Angeles.
Baltimore responded by signing eight-year NFL veteran Durham Smythe, while also drafting Matt Hibner in the fourth round and Josh Cuevas in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Yet, the rookies are unproven, and starter Mark Andrews is set to turn 31 when the season kicks off.
Some, like ESPN’s Dan Graziano, believe the Ravens could be a team that’s monitoring the potential trade market of tight end Kyle Pitts.
“The Falcons, particularly with a new coaching staff and front office, might want to see how he fits in their new offense before committing long term. If they don’t get him extended by July 15, and that rankles him and/or they struggle early in the season, teams will come asking about the availability of the uber-talented former top-10 pick, who doesn’t turn 26 until October. Baltimore lost a pair of tight ends — Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar — in free agency and could be looking for the kind of offense Pitts can generate.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Kyle Pitts/Baltimore Ravens
Pitts is set to turn 26 in October, and he’s coming off arguably his best season as a pro. While the 1,026 yards he tallied as a rookie are still a personal best, Pitts recorded 928 yards and five touchdowns last season. We can see the appeal, as the 6-foot-6 Pitts, who clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at his Florida Pro Day in 2021, is one of the fastest tight ends in the league
Now, as Pitts enters another contract year playing on the franchise tag, he’s surely looking to have a strong season. That may not happen in Baltimore, unless Andrews becomes part of a trade package back to Atlanta or elsewhere.
The Ravens, who hired former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for the same position in Baltimore, are expected to heavily utilize their group of tight ends this season, and Pitts would certainly provide a big boost. Yet, the Falcons may not be ready to deal, barring an offer too good to refuse.
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