The Ravens may be on the verge of a major shakeup along their offensive line, and fans may not be prepared for it.
Veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley is set to hit free agency. After battling injuries for much of the past few seasons, Stanley finally played a full 2024 season, earning a Pro Bowl selection and proving he can still perform at a high level. But with Baltimore facing salary cap limitations and other pressing roster needs, the team must decide whether keeping Stanley is worth the investment.
Stanley’s return to form in 2024 was a bright spot for a Ravens offense that dealt with its share of ups and downs.
After missing significant time in previous years due to ankle injuries, the former first-round pick held down the left side of the line, showing flashes of the dominance that once made him one of the league’s highest-paid tackles.
Still, durability remains a concern. At 30 years old, Stanley has played just 41 regular-season games over the past four seasons. The Ravens have to weigh whether another long-term commitment is wise, especially with younger options potentially available in free agency or the draft.
Baltimore’s salary cap situation will play a major role in its decision. With Lamar Jackson’s contract already in the books, spending big on Stanley could limit flexibility elsewhere.
If the Ravens opt to move on, they could turn to in-house options such as Patrick Mekari or Daniel Faalele or explore more affordable free-agent alternatives. They could also look to the NFL Draft, though finding a plug-and-play left tackle is never a guarantee.
If the Ravens don’t bring Stanley back, he won’t be short on suitors. The New England Patriots, projected to have the most cap space this offseason, are expected to be aggressive in free agency. With that in mind, Stanley could land a lucrative deal elsewhere.
"The Patriots are projected to have the most cap space in the NFL this offseason, so let's throw that money around," CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani writes."How about going after the top offensive tackle on the open market in Ronnie Stanley of the Ravens? After battling injuries for the past few years, Stanley finally played a full season in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl. The Patriots need a complete overhaul on the offensive line to develop Drake Maye."
Stanley has been a staple of Baltimore’s offensive line since 2016, but the Ravens may be at a crossroads. If they can find common ground on a shorter-term, team-friendly deal, a reunion makes sense. But if the bidding war drives his price too high, Baltimore could be forced to move on, marking the end of an era at left tackle.
A final decision will likely come before the start of free agency in March, but one thing is clear: Stanley’s future in Baltimore is far from certain.
