Pros and Cons of Ravens cutting Ronnie Stanley as 2024 cap casualty
By Mike Luciano
Cons
Drafting a rookie to replace Stanley is risky enough, but this free agent class at the tackle spots is incredibly weak. The only player who is a no-doubt improvement over Stanley is Cowboys star Tyron Smith, who has been as much of an injury risk lately as the Ravens' expensive tackle.
While not an All-Pro, even a compromised Stanley performed well enough in 2023. Stanley started playing his best ball near the end of the season, showing he can still open up holes in the running game while using his exemplary anchor and power to stand out as a pass protector.
The Baltimore Ravens may decide to hold on to Ronnie Stanley
Patrick Mekari is a fine backup offensive lineman, but would most Ravens fans feel comfortable with him as the starting left tackle in 2024? Between Mekari, mammoth backup Daniel Faalele (who would need to convert from right tackle), and injured guard convert Andrew Vorhees, the internal replacements are underwhelming.
Stanley might end up being replaced in an offseason where both starting guards in Zeitler and John Simpson are free agents, and right tackle Morgan Moses is another possible cap cut. This offense was tremendous last season, so why would Baltimore risk parting with 80% of the starting offensive line?