Among the Ravens’ top ten unrestricted free agents are Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens.

As the NFL’s offseason looms, the Baltimore Ravens are preparing for what promises to be an intriguing period of player movement, decisions, and negotiations. Among the most critical aspects of this offseason for the Ravens is the uncertainty surrounding their unrestricted free agents, with two key players—offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Brandon Stephens—set to enter free agency. These two players represent pivotal positions on the field and are integral pieces of the team’s overall structure. Their futures with the Ravens could significantly impact the team’s strategy going forward. As Baltimore looks to build on its playoff contention, the decisions regarding Stanley and Stephens will be vital in shaping the team’s direction.

Ronnie Stanley: The Cornerstone of the Offensive Line

For years, Ronnie Stanley has been one of the most dependable and talented players on the Baltimore Ravens’ roster. Drafted by the Ravens with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Stanley was immediately thrust into a critical role as the left tackle of an offense built on a strong ground game and a dynamic passing attack. His development into one of the league’s premier offensive tackles has been nothing short of impressive, and he has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his career.

However, Stanley’s road to becoming one of the top players in the NFL was not without challenges. After suffering a significant injury to his ankle in 2020, Stanley was forced to undergo surgery, sidelining him for much of the 2021 season. This injury raised questions about his long-term durability and whether he would ever return to his Pro Bowl level. But after undergoing extensive rehab, Stanley returned to the field in 2022 and has since shown that he remains one of the best at his position, even if his performance hasn’t been entirely consistent post-injury.

As Stanley enters free agency, the question for the Ravens will be whether to commit to him long-term or move forward with a different plan at the left tackle position. At his best, Stanley is an elite protector of the quarterback’s blindside and a key piece of the Ravens’ offensive line. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency makes him an ideal fit for Baltimore’s offensive scheme. But his injury history, particularly with the ankle, has raised concerns about his ability to stay healthy over the course of a full season.

The Ravens’ decision on Stanley will likely hinge on their evaluation of his long-term health and whether they feel confident in his ability to return to his pre-injury form. If the Ravens decide to re-sign Stanley, they will likely need to structure his contract in a way that takes into account the potential for future injuries while rewarding him for his past accomplishments. The challenge for Baltimore will be finding the balance between securing a cornerstone offensive lineman and protecting the team’s financial future.

If the Ravens choose not to re-sign Stanley, they will face a significant void on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle, a position that is critical in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team may be forced to explore the free agent market or the draft for a suitable replacement, which would bring its own set of challenges.

Brandon Stephens: A Rising Star in the Secondary

On the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Stephens has emerged as an increasingly important piece of the Ravens’ defensive backfield. A 2021 third-round draft pick, Stephens was originally a running back before transitioning to cornerback, and his versatility has been on full display in his two seasons with the Ravens. While not yet a household name, Stephens has quietly made his mark as a solid contributor in the secondary, earning significant playing time as both a cornerback and safety.

Stephens’ ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield makes him an invaluable asset for the Ravens, who have often relied on versatile defensive players to execute their schemes. In 2022, Stephens showed flashes of his potential, showcasing his ability to cover receivers in man-to-man coverage and contribute as a run defender. While he still has room to grow, especially in terms of consistency and understanding opposing offenses’ tendencies, his raw talent and adaptability have earned him a place in the Ravens’ defense.

One of the key benefits of Stephens is his youth—he is still only in his mid-20s, and his upside is undeniable. If the Ravens choose to retain him, they will be banking on his continued development into a reliable starting cornerback or safety. His versatility means he can be used in various defensive packages, giving the Ravens flexibility in terms of personnel and scheme. However, like many young players, Stephens will need to prove that he can handle the rigors of being a full-time starter and improve his consistency over the course of an entire season.

The Ravens’ decision regarding Stephens will likely depend on their evaluation of his potential as a long-term fixture in their secondary. Given the team’s aggressive approach to defense under head coach John Harbaugh, retaining a player like Stephens could be a wise move. His ability to provide depth at multiple positions will give the Ravens flexibility, especially if they continue to evolve their defensive scheme. But with a potential crowded cornerback market in free agency, the Ravens will need to weigh whether Stephens’ growth trajectory is worth locking in long-term or whether they can find a more proven option at a similar price.

The Ravens’ Salary Cap Situation

When it comes to re-signing Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens, the Ravens will have to consider their salary cap situation. As is often the case with NFL teams, managing the salary cap is crucial to building a competitive roster, and the Ravens are no exception. In particular, they will need to balance the contracts of their star players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, with the need to strengthen other areas of the roster.

The Ravens are projected to have a relatively tight salary cap in 2023, which will force them to be strategic with their decisions regarding free agents. This makes the decision on whether to re-sign Stanley and Stephens even more significant. While both players are key contributors, the Ravens will have to consider whether their contracts fit within the team’s long-term financial plans.

For Stanley, the Ravens will need to assess how much they are willing to invest in a left tackle coming off injury. While his talent is undeniable, a long-term deal could carry considerable financial risk, especially given his history of injuries. A team-friendly contract with incentives based on health could be a way for both parties to reach an agreement that protects the team’s finances while rewarding Stanley for his performance.

For Stephens, the question will be whether he is worth a long-term investment given his relatively short track record. While the Ravens may not need to break the bank to retain him, they will need to offer him a contract that reflects his potential and ability to contribute at multiple positions. The Ravens may also look to draft or sign additional cornerbacks and safeties to strengthen their secondary, so they will need to weigh whether Stephens is the best fit for their defensive needs going forward.

What the Future Holds for Both Players

As the Ravens continue to prepare for the offseason, the futures of Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens are among the most pressing questions on the horizon. For Stanley, it’s a matter of determining whether he can stay healthy and continue to be a dominant force on the offensive line. If the Ravens believe in his long-term health and production, they may offer him a multi-year deal to keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

For Stephens, the question will be whether his continued development justifies a long-term contract. While he has shown promise, he has not yet proven himself to be an elite player at his position. The Ravens may be willing to give him another year or two to develop into a starter, but they will need to consider other options as well if they feel that he is not the future of their secondary.