The Baltimore Ravens have a big decision to make at left tackle, but it’s starting to sound like Ronnie Stanley isn’t going anywhere. For a while, there’s been some speculation about whether the longtime franchise cornerstone would be back in Purple and Black in 2025. But now, reports are surfacing that the Ravens and Stanley are working toward an extension that would keep him in Baltimore.
Stanley is coming off his second Pro Bowl season and has finally played a full year for the first time since 2019. That’s a huge deal for a guy who's battled injuries for three straight seasons. When healthy, he’s still one of the better left tackles in football, and it’s no surprise his return is the Ravens' biggest offseason priority. Any way to keep Lamar Jackson upright is a good cause.
At the NFL Combine, general manager Eric DeCosta hinted at a reunion, saying he’s “optimistic” a deal will get done. Now, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has given even more insight into the situation.
Ronnie Stanley and the Ravens are moving toward an extension
"The sense out of Indy is that the Ravens and left tackle Ronnie Stanley can agree to terms on an extension in the coming days," Fowler reported. "That's hardly a slam dunk, but there's a sentiment to try to make that happen. Some inside the league are projecting that deal to land somewhere between $21-23 million per year."
That last part is important. Stanley’s market was always going to be competitive, and if the Ravens want to lock him in, they’ll need to come close to that price. They're currently slated for $12 million in cap, but a few restructures here, a few releases there, and a few extensions anywhere else could get them well within the ballpark. The New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs are all rumored to be in the mix for best offensive linemen this free agency, and if Stanley hits the open market, Baltimore could get priced out.
It's not dramatic to say the Ravens' offseason is riding on this decision. If they bring him back, it ensures continuity on the offensive line and keeps Jackson’s blindside protected... which is obviously priority number one. It also means rookie sensation Roger Rosengarten likely stays put at right tackle. Not the worst thing in the world.
If, for some reason, Stanley doesn’t re-sign, the Ravens would have a massive hole to fill and not many options to fill it with. The free-agent market for left tackles isn’t exactly brimming with talent, and while the draft has some intriguing options, Baltimore would have to take one early if they wanted an immediate starter.
At this point, all signs point to Stanley sticking around. The Ravens aren’t in a position to let their franchise left tackle walk. Nothing is official yet, but it wouldn’t be a shock if a deal comes together soon.