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As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Los Angeles Chargers are sitting at the No. 22 spot in the first round, and fans are buzzing about what the team might do with it. The top wish on many Chargers fans’ draft boards? Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
But what if Loveland’s already off the board by the time the Chargers are on the clock? According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the team might not walk away empty-handed. In fact, he’s floated a bold trade scenario that would land the Chargers a proven star instead of a college prospect: Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.
Barnwell’s idea involves the Chargers swapping first-round picks with Baltimore, moving down five spots from No. 22 to No. 27 — and also sending guard Zion Johnson to the Ravens. In return, Los Angeles would get not only Andrews, but also a fourth-round pick (No. 136 overall).
Here’s how the deal breaks down:
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Chargers receive: 2025 1st-round pick (No. 27), 2025 4th-round pick (No. 136), TE Mark Andrews
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Ravens receive: 2025 1st-round pick (No. 22), G Zion Johnson
At first glance, this could be a win-win — especially for the Chargers. Andrews, though turning 30 in September, is still a top-tier tight end who had a quiet but productive 2024 season, including a career-high 11 touchdown grabs. His red-zone presence and familiarity with Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman (who coached him in Baltimore) would make him an instant upgrade in Los Angeles’ offense and a reliable target for Justin Herbert.
As for Zion Johnson, the Chargers may be more open to parting with the 2022 first-rounder after bringing in offensive lineman Mekhi Becton during free agency. The addition of an extra fourth-round pick would also give the Chargers a whopping 11 total selections in this year’s draft, plenty of ammo to continue building depth.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Andrews has been linked to a potential trade with the Chargers, but with the Harbaugh brothers coaching both teams — Jim in L.A. and John in Baltimore — there’s a built-in familiarity that makes this feel just plausible enough to keep fans watching closely on draft day.
If this trade does happen, expect Chargers fans to celebrate. Andrews may not be the same game-breaker he once was, but compared to the team’s current tight end options, he’d be a massive step up.