AFC rivals EMERGE as THREATS to STEAL Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore Ravens as free agency looms
The NFL is no stranger to drama, especially when it comes to the business side of the league—contracts, salary caps, and free agency make every offseason a high-stakes game for teams across the league. As the 2024 offseason looms for the Baltimore Ravens, one of the biggest questions surrounding their roster concerns Ronnie Stanley, their highly regarded left tackle who has been the cornerstone of their offensive line for years. With Stanley’s contract situation hanging in the balance and the NFL’s free agency period approaching, multiple AFC rivals are already circling, looking to make a run at him.
Stanley, a former first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has long been considered one of the top left tackles in the league when healthy. However, after a series of significant injuries—most notably to his ankle—Stanley has missed substantial time in recent seasons, which has raised concerns about his long-term viability with the Ravens. As his contract situation enters the spotlight, and with the free-agent market soon to open, several AFC teams with both the cap space and the need for a left tackle are preparing to make their move. These teams understand that the opportunity to land a proven, elite left tackle can be a game-changer.
For the Ravens, the prospect of losing a player like Stanley would be a significant blow to their offensive line, especially considering their offensive system heavily relies on the protection and the stability he provides for their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. If Stanley were to leave, the Ravens could find themselves scrambling to find a suitable replacement, a task that could impact their ability to compete for a Super Bowl in the coming years. But the reality of free agency is that the Ravens have to be prepared for the possibility that one of their key players, especially one with Stanley’s pedigree, might get poached by a division rival or another AFC contender.
Ronnie Stanley: A Key Piece in Baltimore’s Offense
To fully understand why Stanley is such a coveted asset, it’s crucial to look at his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Stanley was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2016, with the belief that he could provide the franchise with a rock-solid left tackle for the long term. Stanley quickly proved that he could live up to the hype, earning a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2019 after a dominant season in which he helped anchor one of the most productive offenses in the NFL, particularly with the emergence of Lamar Jackson as the league’s MVP.
Stanley’s role in protecting Jackson’s blindside cannot be understated. A quarterback like Jackson, whose ability to extend plays and make throws on the run is a key part of his game, needs a reliable left tackle to ensure that his blindside is protected. In that regard, Stanley was one of the best in the business when healthy. His athleticism, footwork, and ability to handle speed rushers in the passing game made him a critical part of the Ravens’ success.
However, Stanley’s injuries have raised concerns. A significant ankle injury in 2020 forced him to miss the majority of the season, and though he made a return in 2021, he’s still struggled to remain healthy. This has led to questions about his long-term health and whether the Ravens can justify keeping him at his current salary, particularly when injuries continue to hinder his ability to stay on the field consistently.
The Contract Situation and Free Agency Looming
Stanley is under contract with the Ravens, but his deal is one of the largest on the team. With cap space and team-building considerations always in play, it’s unclear whether the Ravens are willing to invest long-term in a player who has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. If Baltimore ultimately decides to part ways with Stanley, it would free up significant cap space, but it would also leave them in need of an elite left tackle to protect Lamar Jackson.
For Stanley, the looming free agency window presents an opportunity to test the market. As one of the top tackles in the league when healthy, he would be highly sought after by teams with cap space and a need for a left tackle. Stanley is also in a position where he can demand a lucrative contract from teams that are willing to take the risk on him, especially if they believe that his injury woes are behind him.
As free agency approaches, several AFC teams with both the financial means and the need for a left tackle will likely emerge as serious contenders to steal Stanley from Baltimore.
The AFC Rivals Eyeing Ronnie Stanley
- Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the primary AFC rivals that could make a serious run at Ronnie Stanley. After reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship game in 2022, the Bengals have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the AFC. However, one of their major weaknesses has been their offensive line, which has struggled to protect quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite improvements, the Bengals’ line still leaves much to be desired, and they have been known to prioritize upgrading that unit to ensure Burrow’s long-term success.
With Jonah Williams currently under contract and the Bengals’ inability to consistently protect Burrow during key moments, signing a player like Stanley would give Cincinnati one of the top left tackles in the league. Stanley’s ability to dominate in pass protection would go a long way in ensuring that Burrow has the necessary time to operate in the pocket and execute the Bengals’ high-powered offense. The Bengals have the financial flexibility to make a move for Stanley, especially if they are able to rework some contracts or clear up cap space, which would make them a serious contender for the star tackle.
- Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are another AFC team that could target Stanley in free agency. Miami has made substantial strides in recent seasons, particularly with the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the acquisition of explosive playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, the Dolphins’ offensive line has been a point of weakness, and it’s clear that upgrading this unit could elevate their offense to another level.
With a high-powered offense that relies on both the passing game and play-action, Miami needs a top-tier left tackle to protect Tagovailoa’s blindside. Stanley would provide an immediate upgrade at the position and give the Dolphins more security in their protection. Miami has the salary cap space to pursue Stanley, and with their championship aspirations rising, adding a proven, elite offensive lineman could be just what they need to take their offense to the next level.
- Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have been in search of a long-term solution at left tackle for years. With Matt Ryan‘s departure and the team now focused on finding a quarterback of the future, the Colts need to build a solid foundation up front to ensure the next franchise QB is protected. Stanley, when healthy, would provide the Colts with the kind of stability they’ve lacked at the position for a long time.
The Colts have the financial means to pursue a player of Stanley’s caliber and are currently in a rebuilding phase, making the addition of a proven left tackle a logical move. By signing Stanley, the Colts could immediately solidify their offensive line and give the new quarterback a solid foundation to build on.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, already one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, are always looking for ways to improve. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have a Super Bowl-caliber offense, but protecting their star quarterback has always been a key focus. Although the Chiefs have solidified their offensive line in recent years, there’s no question that adding a left tackle of Stanley’s caliber could make them even more dangerous.
Stanley would be an upgrade over current options at left tackle, giving Mahomes better protection in the pocket and allowing the Chiefs’ offense to operate at its highest potential. The Chiefs have the financial flexibility and championship aspirations to pursue Stanley, and adding him would provide one of the best quarterbacks in the league with even more time to work his magic.
- Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are another team that could look to add a top-tier left tackle in free agency. The Titans have had significant offensive line issues in recent years, particularly with their pass protection, and the addition of Stanley would instantly improve the unit. As the Titans continue to rely on Derrick Henry in the running game, having a dominant left tackle to open up lanes and protect the quarterback would be crucial.
Tennessee has cap space available and could make a move for Stanley if they feel he can provide the necessary boost to their offensive line. With a solid defense and a strong running game, adding a veteran tackle like Stanley would help the Titans stay competitive in the AFC South.
Impact of Losing Stanley
If the Ravens were to lose Stanley to one of these AFC rivals, the impact would be far-reaching. Not only would they lose one of the best left tackles in the league, but they would also have to deal with the ripple effect it would have on their offensive line as a whole. The Ravens would have to find a replacement at left tackle, which could mean shifting players around or looking to the draft or free agency for a potential replacement.
Moreover, losing Stanley would be a setback for Lamar Jackson, who relies heavily on his offensive line for protection. Without Stanley’s stability on the left side, Jackson may have to adjust to a more volatile pocket, which could impact his ability to thrive in Baltimore’s system. The Ravens would likely have to rely more heavily on their running game to compensate for any deficiencies in the passing game.
