The Athletic lists Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens as two of the Ravens’ top ten unrestricted free agents.

The NFL offseason is always a pivotal time for teams, as they assess their roster, evaluate potential free agent signings, and determine the direction of their roster construction for the coming year. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its dynamic defense, special teams prowess, and strong team culture, the decisions made in free agency are crucial to maintaining their competitive edge. As the Ravens head into the 2025 offseason, they will have several key players testing the open market, and according to The Athletic, Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens are among the team’s top ten unrestricted free agents. Both players have been instrumental in shaping the Ravens’ roster, and their futures with the team will play a significant role in how the franchise builds its core moving forward.

In this piece, we will take a closer look at why both Stanley and Stephens made the list of top unrestricted free agents, what their potential departures would mean for the Ravens, and how the team could approach re-signing them or replacing them with new talent. Let’s explore both players individually, analyze their importance to the Ravens, and consider how their respective situations will shape the team’s strategy heading into free agency.

Ronnie Stanley: The Left Tackle Anchor

A Brief History with the Ravens

Ronnie Stanley, drafted 6th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2016 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of their offensive line since he first arrived in Baltimore. As the team’s left tackle, Stanley was expected to protect the blindside of the quarterback, a position that carries immense responsibility and physical demands. Stanley’s combination of athleticism, size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds), and technical ability quickly earned him a reputation as one of the top left tackles in the NFL.

However, Stanley’s journey with the Ravens has been marked by some major ups and downs, primarily due to injuries. In 2020, Stanley was named an All-Pro after earning a first-team selection, signaling his peak as one of the best in the business at his position. Unfortunately, a devastating ankle injury sustained later that season forced him to miss the majority of the 2021 campaign, and his recovery has been a focal point in subsequent seasons. While Stanley has returned to the field, injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, raising questions about his durability and long-term future with the Ravens.

Why He’s Among the Top Unrestricted Free Agents

Despite the injury concerns, Ronnie Stanley remains one of the league’s top left tackles, and his importance to the Ravens cannot be overstated. Here are some reasons why he is one of the most coveted free agents heading into the 2025 offseason:

• Protecting Lamar Jackson’s Blindside: The Ravens’ offense revolves around the explosive and dynamic play of Lamar Jackson, and Stanley’s role in protecting Jackson’s blindside is critical to the team’s success. Whether Jackson is in the pocket, scanning the field, or rolling out on designed runs, Stanley’s presence as a reliable protector gives Jackson the time and space needed to make plays. Without a stable left tackle, Jackson’s effectiveness, especially in the passing game, would be significantly diminished.
• Elite Skillset: When Stanley is healthy, he is an elite left tackle with an impressive combination of agility, strength, and technique. He is able to hold his own against the NFL’s top pass rushers, and his ability to anchor in pass protection and create running lanes in the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme makes him a cornerstone of their offensive line. His skillset allows him to operate as both a traditional pass protector and a physical run-blocker, which is important in Baltimore’s run-heavy offensive system.
• Experience and Leadership: Stanley has been a key leader in the Ravens’ locker room, and his experience in big games makes him a valuable asset to the team. Having played in multiple playoff games, Stanley provides leadership and stability along the offensive line, helping to guide younger players and maintain consistency.
• Market Value: As one of the top left tackles in the league when healthy, Stanley’s market value is expected to be high. A player of his caliber would be sought after by a number of teams in need of an upgrade at left tackle, which will give him leverage in contract negotiations.

What’s at Stake for the Ravens

If the Ravens cannot come to terms with Stanley on a new contract, they would face significant consequences on the offensive line. Not only would the team lose one of its top players, but the Ravens would be forced to find a suitable replacement, which could take several forms:

• Losing a Key Protectors for Lamar Jackson: Without Stanley anchoring the left tackle position, the Ravens would be left scrambling for an answer to protect Lamar Jackson, who is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL but also a player who takes hits due to his playing style. The uncertainty of not having a reliable blindside protector could significantly impact Jackson’s performance and the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
• Offensive Line Stability: The Ravens’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, and a potential hole at left tackle would create instability across the unit. With a young quarterback (likely Tyler Huntley or another future draft pick) possibly taking over as Jackson’s backup, having an inconsistent offensive line would also create concerns for the future of the Ravens’ offense.

Ultimately, if the Ravens want to continue building an offense that can challenge for championships, they’ll need Stanley’s skill and leadership on the line. A decision on his future will need to be made carefully, balancing the risk of his injury history with his undeniable talent.

Brandon Stephens: A Versatile Defensive Playmaker

A Rising Star in the Secondary

Brandon Stephens is a younger player who has quietly emerged as an important contributor to the Ravens’ defense. A former running back in college at SMU, Stephens was converted to safety by the Ravens, where his athleticism, instincts, and versatility quickly caught the attention of coaches and teammates. His ability to play both safety positions and even line up as a cornerback in certain packages makes him an invaluable asset to the Ravens’ defense, which thrives on flexibility and multiple schemes.

Stephens has shown growth in his first few seasons in the league, with noticeable improvements in his ability to read the game, cover receivers, and create turnovers. Although he hasn’t yet reached elite status, he has the potential to become a key starter in the secondary, especially with the Ravens’ need for depth and flexibility.

Why He’s Among the Top Unrestricted Free Agents

As one of the more versatile defensive backs on the roster, Brandon Stephens has earned a spot among the Ravens’ top unrestricted free agents for a few key reasons:

• Versatility and Scheme Fit: The Ravens’ defense is one of the most complex in the NFL, requiring defensive backs who can excel in multiple roles. Whether he’s playing deep as a safety, moving into the box for run support, or covering wide receivers as a cornerback, Stephens’ ability to adapt to different assignments makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. In today’s NFL, teams are seeking defensive backs who can wear multiple hats, and Stephens has proven he can do just that.
• Emerging Playmaking Ability: While not yet an elite playmaker, Stephens has shown flashes of brilliance with his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, break on passes, and create turnovers. With more experience, it’s possible he could become a ballhawk who contributes significantly in coverage and creates game-changing plays for the defense.
• Special Teams Contribution: Aside from his role in the secondary, Stephens has also contributed to the Ravens’ special teams unit. His ability to excel in multiple areas makes him a well-rounded player who is worth retaining, as he can contribute both on defense and on special teams.
• Market Demand: As a young, versatile player with a unique skill set, Stephens is likely to attract attention from other teams looking for depth in their secondary. If the Ravens are unable to reach a deal with Stephens, there could be competition from other franchises offering him a chance to start and expand his role.

What’s at Stake for the Ravens

Retaining Brandon Stephens would be important for the Ravens’ defensive depth. Losing him would create a hole in their secondary, especially given the uncertainty that comes with defensive back depth in the NFL. While the Ravens have talented players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, adding another versatile piece like Stephens gives them additional flexibility in game planning and matchups.

Additionally, losing Stephens would potentially mean more strain on the Ravens’ ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and more reliance on veteran players. For a defense that prides itself on being unpredictable and versatile, maintaining Stephens’ presence is key to keeping the unit as dynamic as possible.

The Ravens’ Approach to Free Agency: Retaining or Replacing?

As with most teams heading into the offseason, the Ravens’ front office will face tough decisions on which players to retain and which to let go. For both Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens, the team will need to weigh their current value, potential future performance, and the overall direction of the roster.

• For Stanley, the Ravens must decide if his talent and leadership are worth the potential risk of injury. If they choose to move on, they’ll need to explore options via the draft or free agency to find a capable replacement at left tackle.
• For Stephens, the Ravens’ priority should be retaining a young, versatile player who fits their defensive philosophy. If

the price tag is too high, they may look for a similar player in the draft or free agency, but Stephens’ skillset may prove difficult to replicate.