It felt like just last year, the narrative on Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley was he's uber-talented, but can't stay healthy. That might be because it was just last year when there were genuine concerns over Stanley's health and whether he could be a legitimate blindside blocker for Lamar Jackson.
Well, narratives—much like the good—they do die young. Stanley arguably put together the best campaign of his career for the Ravens. He played the whole without missing a game—the first time he's been able to do that in his 10 seasons in the league. It was quite an impressive season for the 6-foot-6 former All-Pro. While his comeback has been impressive, it unfortunately comes at a less-than-ideal time for the Ravens. Stanley will become an unrestricted free agent once the league's season officially ends.
Apparently, Lamar Jackson, Baltimore, and Ravens fans aren't the only ones who have noticed Stanley has reinvented himself as a top-tier offensive lineman. Per Mason Cameron at Pro Football Focus, the soon-to-be hot commodity already has an ideal landing spot in the upcoming free-agency period. And it's just a quick drive down I-95 to the nation's capital.
Washington Commanders viewed as perfect landing spot for Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley
While it would definitely hurt to watch Stanley leave for Washington in free agency, Cameron raised some very interesting points—the most being Stanley's familiarity blocking for a mobile quarterback. Cameron explains:
"Stanley has made a living off protecting the most mobile passer the game has ever seen in Lamar Jackson, an immeasurable experience that would pay dividends to a Commanders offense looking to keep its young, dynamic passer, Jayden Daniels, upright."
Hard to argue with that logic—Daniels is otherworldly and appearing in the NFC Championship game as a rookie. The Commanders are already competitive, and ensuring they do everything they can to ensure the health of their franchise cornerstone is exactly the move that will keep them competitive.
Per Over the Cap, Washington is projected to have roughly $87 million in cap space this upcoming free agency. The Ravens are projected to have around $14 million. It's quite the difference. But, it makes the realization Stanley might be on his way out very realistic. The Ravens won't have the money to re-sign Stanley while also trying to improve the roster (either via trade or in free agency). It's quite the conundrum for general manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens.
Stanley heading to the Commanders is still purely speculative at this point. However, the idea of his departure is something the Ravens—and their fans—might want to start getting comfortable with.
If Stanley’s time in Baltimore ends, the Ravens will need to lean on their younger talent to fill the void. Andrew Vorhees, who showed flashes before an early-season injury, could step up at left guard if he stays healthy. Roger Rosengarten, meanwhile, is the most logical option to take over at left tackle after a stellar rookie season on the right side. DeCosta didn’t shy away from that possibility, noting Rosengarten's played both sides before, hinting at a potential reshuffle on the line.
Of course, with double-digit draft picks in their pocket, the Ravens could also dip back into the draft for offensive line help. DeCosta has already proven he can find late-round gems like Rosengarten, and he seems ready to reload if necessary. “I think our goal is to always have the best offensive line that we can have,” he said. That’s easier said than done without Stanley, but if the Ravens have proven anything, it’s that they’re willing to make tough decisions to keep the bigger picture in focus.