Baltimore would be absolutely foolish to let another lineman walk for nothing

The Baltimore Ravens have regained their stride this season after a shaky start. Kicking off with two consecutive losses, they managed a significant turnaround with a narrow 28-25 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. This win marks a pivotal moment as they strive to solidify their standing within the AFC.

However, despite their recent success, there’s still a journey ahead for the Ravens to position themselves as a top contender. Amidst their comeback, there’s buzz around the league, notably from Bleacher Report, suggesting that a competitor from the AFC might attempt to poach a vital asset from the Ravens during next year’s offseason.

Ravens cannot afford to lose Ronnie Stanley for nothing

As whispers turn into conversations about the New York Jets possibly eyeing Ronnie Stanley in the 2025 free agency, Ravens fans are hit with a familiar uneasy feeling. After losing key linemen like John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler last offseason, the thought of Stanley walking away for nothing is a prospect that could sting, especially considering the substantial role he plays in Baltimore’s offense.

Given Stanley’s track record and impact, his exit could mirror the tough losses of Simpson and Zeitler, forcing the Ravens into a rebuilding situation they desperately want to avoid.

Baltimore’s experience last offseason showcased the difficulties that arise when key offensive linemen depart. The Ravens, known for their rushing attack and dynamic offensive play, rely heavily on their linemen to control the game tempo and protect their MVP-caliber quarterback Lamar Jackson, making Stanley’s role particularly critical.

In a recent article, Bleacher Report suggested the New York Jets add Stanley this upcoming offseason to help bolster an offensive line that may need reinforcements. In their recent analysis of team needs, they advised the New York Jets to monitor Baltimore offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and consider signing him during the 2025 free agency.

"The Jets took the calculated risk of adding both Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to the offensive line during the offseason. Thus far, the strategy has worked. The Jets have protected their quarterback much better and they've remained healthy.
However, there's a lot of season left, and both are free agents next season. If the Jets want to return to the veteran tackle well again, they might want to look into pairing Ronnie Stanley with Olu Fashanu as the starters. Stanley isn't the player he once was, and the Ravens might not be willing to spend any more money on him than they already have tied up in his void year."

The idea of Stanley joining the Jets and pairing with Olu Fashanu is not just a loss in terms of talent for the Ravens but also a strategic blow. His knowledge of the Ravens’ system and his on-field leadership would be difficult to replace. Moreover, the financial implications of letting a high-caliber player like Stanley go for free could be seen as a misstep for a franchise that prides itself on smart, calculated personnel decisions.

From a strategic standpoint, the Ravens must weigh the cost of a new contract against the risk of weakening their offensive line. Investing in retaining Stanley could prove less costly than the potential fallout of his departure. With the offseason nearing, management should weigh the financial implications and the long-term effects on the team’s performance and morale.

Ravens fans understandably dread the thought of another offseason watching a key player leave without compensation. The team’s front office is now tasked with making decisions that will reassure fans that they are in it to win and not just develop talent for other teams to snatch away. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the narrative and, hopefully, in securing Baltimore’s line for the foreseeable future.

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