The Baltimore Ravens are officially on to 2025, and the first order of business is figuring out what to do with impending free agent Ronnie Stanley. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame product has served as Baltimore’s starting tackle over the past nine years and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019. While he’s never recaptured that form, he remains a solid, steadying presence along the offensive line. Now set to test the open mark, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports Baltimore is currently exploring an extension with the franchise left tackle.
The only question is whether or not a deal actually gets done. Ronnie Stanley might not be a top-five offensive tackle, but he is still a starting-caliber player at a crucial position. Players in his situation tend to receive massive contracts from desperate organizations, and he might want to try his luck on the open market. If the two sides can’t agree to a deal before the start of unrestricted free agency, don’t be surprised if the former first-round pick leaves the Ravens for the Kansas City Chiefs or New Orleans Saints.
Chiefs, Saints Could Steal Ronnie Stanley From Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the AFC Championship Game in large part because Joe Thuney is playing out of position. After parting ways with Donovan Smith after a disappointing 2023, Kansas City believed the duo of Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia could hold down the fort in 2024. That didn’t go according to plan, as both players struggled early in the season. Perhaps Suamataia can turn it around in Year 2, but if the team doesn’t believe in him, they could steal Ronnie Stanley from the Ravens in free agency.
Thuney will move back inside in 2025, so the team must find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency. Ronnie Stanley is the best man for the job, although his arrival could indirectly lead to the departure of superstar guard Trey Smith. Smith will probably earn a larger paycheck, and tackles are more important than guards. While it’s a difficult decision to make, Kansas City could easily get by with two starting-caliber tackles and one mediocre guard, rather than the other way around.
Saving the Offensive Line
On paper, the New Orleans Saints do not have the financial resources to outbid the Ravens for Ronnie Stanley. However, General Manager Mickey Loomis will restructure his way to financial stability, and if he wants Ronnie Stanley, he’ll find a way to make that happen. New Orleans has several weaknesses littered throughout the roster, but none are more pressing than their offensive line woes. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga showed promise as a rookie, but the other tackle position desperately needs a savior.
Ryan Ramczyk effectively retired with his latest contract restructure, which means he won’t save the team in 2025. While Fuaga played left tackle as a rookie, he spent his college days on the right side of the offensive line. Switching him back to his native position should improve his overall level of play, and open up a spot for Ronnie Stanley on the left side. With adequate tackle play, Derek Carr might stay healthy enough to lead the team for all 17 games.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
