Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle could be heading to free agency if the team loses to the Buffalo Bills. This Sunday’s matchup may mark the end of his tenure with the Ravens. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft from Notre Dame, Stanley has been a key player on Baltimore’s offensive line, securing the left tackle spot and earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2019.
While he hasn’t quite returned to his elite form since that standout season, Stanley remains a solid starter. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 38th among 81 eligible tackles this season. Now entering free agency, Stanley is set to command a significant contract, though it may not come from the Ravens.
With the Ravens currently projected to have just $17.1 million in cap space, they are unlikely to tag Stanley, making him a prime candidate for the open market. While Stanley may not be a superstar, teams in need of a reliable tackle, like the New England Patriots or New Orleans Saints, could potentially outbid Baltimore for his services.
Patriots and Saints Could Pursue Ronnie Stanley
The New England Patriots have a challenging offseason ahead, as they look to rebuild around quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel. Offensive tackle is one of their biggest needs, with Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs struggling in the starting roles and rookie Caedan Wallace performing poorly in limited action. With $120.5 million in cap space, the Patriots are in a strong position to sign Stanley and bolster their offensive line while also adding receiving talent.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints may not have the cap space to compete with the Ravens for Stanley, but GM Mickey Loomis is known for his ability to restructure contracts and create room. The Saints also need help along their offensive line, as Ryan Ramczyk’s contract restructure suggests he may be nearing retirement. Signing Stanley would provide a reliable left tackle, allowing first-round pick Taliese Fuaga to shift to his natural right tackle position. This move would solidify the Saints’ offensive line, crucial for protecting quarterback Derek Carr, who struggles when under pressure. Adding Stanley could be key to improving the team’s chances of success in the future.