Roger Rosengarten has done everything right since stepping into the Baltimore Ravens' lineup. A second-round rookie thrust into a starting role, he went from getting wrecked on his first NFL snap to becoming a rock on the right side of the offensive line. He played so well that Baltimore is now seriously considering moving him to left tackle. And that’s where things get a little awkward.
Ronnie Stanley, the guy who took Rosengarten under his wing, is set to be a free agent. For the first time in his career, Stanley played a full season in 2024—and he played at an elite level. But with the Ravens’ front office leaning toward a youth movement and Stanley’s market value creeping up, there’s a real chance Rosengarten could be the one replacing him.
And Rosengarten? Well, he’d rather not think about it.
“Man, I hope he stays because he’s been such a help for me and I know the rest of the guys,” Rosengarten said. But he’s also realistic. The Ravens aren’t in a position to overpay for a veteran when they already have a cost-effective option on the roster. That puts Rosengarten in an unenviable spot—wanting his mentor to return while knowing he might be the reason Stanley leaves.
Good or bad, the Ravens have a Ronnie Stanley problem
The Ravens have a decision to make, and it’s not an easy one. Stanley proved he still has plenty of high-level football left in him. He played nearly all of Baltimore’s offensive snaps, allowed just two sacks, and earned a Pro Bowl nod—even if it took an alternate spot to get there.
But Baltimore isn’t operating with unlimited cap space. Stanley’s projected market value sits around $20 million per year, and the Ravens are already pushing their budget to the limit.
They have a lot of expensive contracts kicking in, including Marlon Humphrey's and Mark Andrews', and general manager Eric DeCosta has made it clear the team is prepared to rely on younger, cheaper talent if need be.
Rosengarten is at the center of that plan. He’s already proven he can handle what opposing defenses have to throw at him, and DeCosta noted that he’s “played both sides before,” hinting at a possible position switch over to the left side of the line. That kind of flexibility gives Baltimore options—and honestly makes Stanley slightly expendable.
Rosengarten even got some love from the 33rd Team for his efforts during his rookie season:
🏆 2024’s All-Rookie Offense 🏆
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 7, 2025
The best first year players at each position, according to @TylerDBrooke 📝 https://t.co/5EC4GCaveG pic.twitter.com/c0UWWneffS
For now, Rosengarten is in a tough spot. He’s grateful for everything Stanley has done for him, but if his mentor leaves, it’s his job to step up. And knowing how the Ravens operate, that’s exactly what they’re expecting him to do.