The Baltimore Ravens may have just kicked off their Organized Team Activities, but the spotlight is already intensifying on a player many around the league overlooked. While questions swirl around the offense, the offensive line, and Rashod Bateman’s availability, a quieter yet potentially explosive story is unfolding in the tight end room: undrafted free agent Michael Trigg.
In a unit led by seasoned starter Mark Andrews and reliable backup Isaiah Likely, Trigg represents one of the more intriguing “what if” propositions on the roster. A second-round pedigree talent who fell through the entire draft, the former Baylor standout is flashing the exact traits that made evaluators view him as a potential steal—now on full display as OTAs get underway.
From Draft Boards to Baltimore’s Backfield
Trigg’s journey to Baltimore is a classic tale of talent versus red flags. Some analysts projected him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick heading into last year’s draft. At Baylor, he delivered production befitting that grade: 50 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors, third-team All-American recognition, and finalist status for the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end.
Yet concerns—primarily tied to disciplinary issues during his time at Ole Miss—scared teams away. The Ravens, however, saw an opportunity. They signed Trigg with a strong $280,000 guarantee, a notable investment for an undrafted player that signaled serious belief in both his upside and his ability to turn the page.
A True Mismatch Nightmare
Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo spotlighted Trigg as one of the “10 Sleeper UDFAs Who Actually Matter at OTAs,” describing him in glowing terms that explain why opponents should be wary:
“Former Baylor tight end Michael Trigg is an athletic pass catcher with shocking arm length and above-average speed. Trigg runs routes like a big wide receiver with initial quickness that threatens open-field space. He is a mismatch nightmare for both linebackers and defensive backs in coverage.”
That blend of size, athleticism, and route-running polish gives Trigg the ability to stretch the field vertically and create explosive plays through the middle—precisely the traits Ravens tight ends coach Todd Heap and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have highlighted.
Schottenheimer, in
“Talk about Michael Trigg first, we’ve all seen the highlight reel catches and things that he did at Baylor—it’s impressive,” Schottenheimer said. “You talk about a guy that can stretch the field vertically, and make game-changing ‘wow’ type plays attacking the middle of the field. I think that jumps out at you.”
Built-In Advantages and a Massive Chip on His Shoulder
Trigg enters the building with more than just physical tools. His pre-draft work with Ravens tight ends coach Todd Heap provided valuable familiarity and comfort. That early connection, combined with the organization’s clear interest, has helped him hit the ground running.
Motivation is also not an issue. Trigg has openly discussed the fuel provided by going undrafted.
“I’d say more motivating,” he told BaltimoreRavens.com. “Just putting a chip on my shoulder, honestly.”
As OTAs progress, all eyes will be on whether Trigg can translate his college dominance and workout flashes into consistent contributions alongside Andrews and Likely. If he continues to terrorize defensive backs and linebackers in space the way evaluators once feared, the Ravens may have secured one of the league’s biggest undrafted bargains in recent memory.
For a team always hunting for edges on both sides of the ball, Michael Trigg’s emergence could quietly become one of the most important storylines of the offseason. The $280,000 investment is already looking like money well spent—and opposing defenses are about to find out why NFL teams missed on him in the first place.
