The Ravens are likely deciding between re-signing Ronnie Stanley or Patrick Mekari, both key offensive linemen for Lamar Jackson.

The Baltimore Ravens, a team built on strong defense and a dominant running game, have long relied on their offensive line to pave the way for their high-powered rushing attack and provide protection for their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. In recent years, however, the Ravens’ offensive line has become a focal point of discussion, particularly as the team faces difficult decisions regarding the future of its key players. Among these decisions are the contracts of two crucial offensive linemen: Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari.

Both players play important roles on the line, and the choice between re-signing one or both of them could have significant ramifications for the Ravens’ offense moving forward. Ronnie Stanley, the former first-round pick and the team’s long-time left tackle, has been one of the league’s top offensive linemen when healthy, while Patrick Mekari, a versatile and reliable player, has proven his value as a key backup and spot starter at both center and tackle.

Given the unique nature of the Ravens’ offense, which centers around Lamar Jackson’s mobility, run-heavy attack, and play-action schemes, the stability of the offensive line is paramount. The decision to re-sign either Stanley or Mekari could determine the effectiveness of Baltimore’s offense for years to come, especially as the team builds around Jackson and continues its quest for a Super Bowl.

Ronnie Stanley: The Franchise Left Tackle

When it comes to offensive line play, the left tackle position is often considered the most important. A franchise left tackle is essential for protecting a quarterback’s blindside, and for Lamar Jackson, who relies heavily on his ability to make plays outside the pocket, having a secure and dependable left tackle is crucial for his success.

Ronnie Stanley, drafted 6th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, quickly became one of the best left tackles in the league after a slow start to his career. Stanley’s skill set and physical attributes were a perfect match for the Ravens’ system, and his presence on the left side of the line allowed Jackson to feel more comfortable as he navigated through defenses. Stanley’s ability to protect the quarterback and maintain solid blocking in the run game made him a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offense. His combination of size, footwork, and agility made him one of the most respected tackles in the league.

However, injuries have plagued Stanley in recent seasons. After suffering a significant ankle injury in 2020, which sidelined him for the majority of the season, Stanley has struggled to get back to his Pro Bowl form. Despite returning to action in 2021, Stanley has been limited by injuries and has not been able to consistently stay on the field. In 2022, he played in only a handful of games, leaving many questions about his long-term viability with the team.

As one of the highest-paid players on the team, Stanley’s contract is a significant investment, and his inability to stay healthy has led to discussions about his future. The Ravens have already invested considerable money into Stanley, but given his injury history, the question now becomes whether it is worth continuing to commit to him long term. Re-signing Stanley would mean betting on his ability to return to full health and perform at a high level over the next several years. The team would need to assess the risk of further injury against the potential reward of keeping one of the best left tackles in the NFL when healthy.

Patrick Mekari: The Versatile and Reliable Backup

On the other hand, Patrick Mekari provides a different but equally valuable asset to the Ravens’ offensive line. Mekari was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has proven himself to be an incredibly valuable piece of the Ravens’ roster, offering versatility and reliability when needed. Unlike Stanley, who has been the team’s franchise left tackle, Mekari has carved out a niche as a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions across the line, most notably at center and tackle.

Mekari’s adaptability allows him to fill in at different spots, whether it’s as a starter or a spot player, which has made him incredibly valuable for the Ravens. He has stepped up in the past when injuries hit the offensive line, providing a steady presence when other starters went down. He has shown the ability to play both guard and tackle positions as well, which gives the Ravens flexibility in managing their offensive line depth.

Mekari’s value to the team lies in his dependability, his willingness to do whatever is asked of him, and his ability to step into any role when needed. While he may not have the star power or notoriety of someone like Ronnie Stanley, Mekari’s contributions have been crucial to the team’s success. His experience and depth of knowledge of the Ravens’ system make him a key asset to the team, especially given the importance of offensive line cohesion in their unique offensive scheme.

The Ravens’ Offensive Line Needs: Protecting Lamar Jackson

The Ravens have consistently relied on their running game to set the tone offensively, and while that is still true, their offense has evolved to include more passing attempts and play-action. Lamar Jackson’s dynamic ability to extend plays and make throws on the run has been key to the Ravens’ offensive success, and protecting him is paramount. A quarterback like Jackson needs a stable offensive line that can provide him with the necessary time to make decisions in the pocket or scramble when necessary.

The Ravens’ offensive line has been a strength over the years, but injuries to key players, including Stanley, have forced the team to rely on backups like Mekari. The team’s ability to keep Jackson upright and provide solid blocking in both the pass and run game will be essential if they hope to compete for championships.

Financial Considerations: Cap Space and Roster Flexibility

The decision between re-signing Ronnie Stanley or Patrick Mekari is not just a matter of talent but also finances. The Ravens have limited salary cap space, and with several other key players, including Lamar Jackson himself, up for contract considerations, the team must make wise financial decisions to maintain a competitive roster.

Stanley’s current contract, signed in 2020, is one of the largest on the team. He is set to count for a significant portion of the salary cap in the coming years, and if his health does not improve, the Ravens may find it difficult to justify his continued presence on the roster. While Stanley’s upside is tremendous when healthy, the injury concerns surrounding him could make it difficult to continue paying him at the level of a top-tier left tackle.

Mekari, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option. As a backup who has played well in several different roles, Mekari’s salary would be much less of a burden on the team’s cap space. Re-signing Mekari would allow the Ravens to maintain depth on the offensive line without committing to a large, long-term contract. His ability to play multiple positions would be an added benefit, as it allows the Ravens to remain flexible in how they allocate cap space to other positions.

The Ravens are likely faced with the difficult decision of whether to commit long-term to Stanley’s potential or to preserve cap flexibility and depth with Mekari. If the team believes Stanley can return to form and stay healthy, re-signing him may be the more prudent choice. However, if the team has concerns about his ability to stay on the field, Mekari’s versatility may be more appealing, especially given the financial flexibility it provides.

What Does This Mean for Lamar Jackson?

Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense, and his protection will be the key to the team’s long-term success. The decision regarding Stanley or Mekari will directly impact Jackson’s ability to perform at a high level.

If Stanley is re-signed and is able to return to his previous form, Jackson will benefit from having one of the league’s top left tackles protecting his blindside. This would allow Jackson to operate more comfortably in the pocket, giving him more time to make throws and make plays with his legs. On the other hand, if Stanley’s injury issues persist, it may be more difficult for Jackson to remain consistent, particularly when under pressure.

In contrast, Mekari’s re-signing would provide depth and flexibility to the offensive line, which could prove invaluable throughout the season. While he may not be the superstar left tackle that Stanley has been, Mekari’s ability to step into any position and play effectively could offer Jackson more options in the event of injuries.

Looking Ahead: The Ravens’ Future at Offensive Line

As the Ravens make decisions about their offensive line for the future, it’s clear that the team needs to secure the right balance of star power, depth, and financial flexibility. The decision to re-sign either Ronnie Stanley or Patrick Mekari could have lasting effects on the team’s ability to protect Lamar Jackson and build a championship-contending roster.

Ultimately, the Ravens must weigh the risk of continuing to invest in Stanley against the more affordable and versatile option that Mekari represents. Whichever direction they choose, the future of their offensive line will be critical to Lamar Jackson’s success—and, by extension, the Ravens’ pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.