The Baltimore Ravens have made the decision to not use the franchise tag on left tackle Ronnie Stanley, which means the New England Patriots could be in a position to negotiate with the two-time Pro Bowler when the legal tampering period opens on March 10.
Stanley has been looked at as a dream free agent candidate for the Patriots this offseason. The team desperately needs help at left tackle coming off a year where they ranked amongst the worst teams in the NFL in pass protection.
If improving in the trenches is the biggest offseason priority, then signing an experienced and proven offensive tackle would be a major move for the team. They can't afford another season of musical chairs with lesser, failed options at protecting quarterback Drake Maye's blindside.
A move in free agency would also put the Patriots in a position where they wouldn't need to reach for a left tackle in the 2025 NFL draft. They could instead turn their attention to a standout defensive lineman in Michigan's Mason Graham or perhaps even Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at the top of the board.
The ball will ultimately be in Stanley's court if it reaches free agency, but the Patriots would have the most money to offer if they want to get a deal done.
