There are many reasons to be excited and optimistic about the 2025 Baltimore Ravens. They have a two-time MVP quarterback coming off another MVP-worthy season, a running back who is still the best in the NFL, a good all-around offense, and a strong and tough defense.
They just had a strong NFL Draft as well. So, why should fans be excited about 2025? What is the one thing Ravens fans can be optimistic about as training camp gets closer and closer? We'll give you a hint... it has to do with the offensive line and the most important position on it.
Ronnie Stanley's return should have Ravens fans buzzing for 2025
When the offseason began, the biggest question in Baltimore was whether they could retain left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Since being drafted in 2016, Stanley has been a steady force on the offensive line and was widely regarded as one of the league’s best from 2016 to 2020. Injuries slowed him down considerably from 2020 to 2022, but he had a solid comeback year in 2023. Still, questions remain entering 2024. Last season, Stanley played in every game for the first time in his career and earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2019, reminding fans just how valuable he can be when healthy.
With teams like the New England Patriots reportedly interested, it seemed general manager Eric DeCosta would face a tough battle to keep his franchise left tackle. But Baltimore got the deal done, signing Stanley to a three-year, $60 million contract to continue anchoring the line and protecting Lamar Jackson. According to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, it’s the biggest reason for optimism about the 2025 Ravens.
"For a minute, it looked as if the Ravens were going to lose arguably the biggest piece along their offensive line with starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley staring at free agency. There, he was expected to be inundated with lucrative contract offers that could've pried him out of Baltimore. However, Stanley instead reached an agreement on a three-year, $60 million extension with the Ravens, forgoing hitting the open market altogether. His continued presence at blindside tackle should be music to Lamar Jackson's ears as the Ravens look to push for a Super Bowl in 2025."
It’s hard to argue with keeping your franchise left tackle as the key offseason move—especially someone of Stanley’s caliber. His presence on the field has clearly made an impact on Lamar Jackson’s success. In 2019, when Jackson won his first MVP, Stanley played in 14 of 16 games. In Jackson’s second MVP season in 2023, Stanley played in 13 of 17. Last year, Jackson nearly won his third, and Stanley was there for every snap.
Stanley’s health will always be a storyline, but when he’s right, he’s among the best to ever play the position in Baltimore—right up there with Jonathan Ogden and Marshal Yanda. He’s been a cornerstone since 2016, and if he stays on the field, his return gives Ravens fans every reason to feel confident heading into 2025.