Ronnie Stanley Gave Ravens ‘First Dibs’ On $20 Million APY Deal: ‘I was going to give Baltimore the best bargain.’

In the world of professional football, few things are as coveted as elite offensive linemen. These players are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect their quarterbacks and open up holes for the running game. One of the most critical positions in the modern NFL is left tackle, and when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens, Ronnie Stanley has been the cornerstone of their offensive line for several years. However, his contract situation has raised plenty of eyebrows, especially given the reports that Stanley was ready to give the Ravens a significant financial break by offering them “first dibs” on a massive deal that could have been worth upwards of $20 million per year.

Stanley’s approach to his contract negotiations represents a rare and unique occurrence in the NFL, where the business side of the game often outweighs the personal loyalty of players to their teams. This rare gesture — offering the Ravens the opportunity to secure his services for a bargain price in exchange for loyalty and a commitment to the team — speaks volumes about Stanley’s character and his relationship with the franchise. However, despite the offer, the deal remains a topic of discussion as both sides work toward a new agreement.

A Rare Gesture of Loyalty: Offering the Ravens “First Dibs”

In the ultra-competitive world of the NFL, players are often seen as assets to be traded or replaced if they don’t perform up to expectations or if the franchise’s financial situation changes. The nature of the business can sometimes make it hard to maintain genuine relationships between players and teams. However, Ronnie Stanley’s willingness to offer the Ravens “first dibs” on his services at a heavily discounted rate is indicative of something rare in professional sports: loyalty.

Stanley, who has been with the Ravens since being drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has developed into one of the league’s premier left tackles. A former first-team All-Pro, Stanley has consistently been one of the most reliable and skilled offensive linemen in the league. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side has been integral to the Ravens’ offensive success, and his importance to the team cannot be overstated.

Stanley’s gesture to give the Ravens “first dibs” on his services at a price lower than market value is a testament to the bond he has built with the franchise. In an era where NFL players are often criticized for chasing the largest contracts, Stanley’s willingness to negotiate a deal that would benefit the Ravens financially highlights his understanding of the bigger picture. Stanley wanted to ensure that the team could continue to build around him and remain competitive in the AFC, all while offering the organization an opportunity to lock him down for the long term without hampering the salary cap.

This decision was a bold move by Stanley, especially when one considers that he could have easily pursued a more lucrative deal elsewhere, knowing his skillset would fetch a premium price on the open market. However, Stanley’s loyalty to the franchise, which has supported him through injuries and helped him reach his peak potential, led him to take a selfless approach to his contract.

The Financial Implications: A $20 Million APY Deal

Stanley’s reported offer to give the Ravens “first dibs” on a deal worth $20 million per year is significant for a number of reasons. Left tackles are among the highest-paid players on the offensive line, with the best in the league commanding annual salaries north of $20 million. The position is highly coveted due to its critical role in protecting the quarterback’s blind side, and the best tackles are often compensated with the largest contracts on the team.

The $20 million APY (average per year) figure would place Stanley among the top-paid left tackles in the league, but not necessarily at the very top. Players like David Bakhtiari of the Green Bay Packers and Laremy Tunsil of the Houston Texans have earned contracts worth $23-25 million per year, making them the highest-paid at the position. However, Stanley’s reported willingness to offer his services at a discount of $20 million per year, especially considering the rising market value for premier left tackles, represents a massive financial concession for a player of his caliber.

Stanley’s decision to offer a “bargain” deal at $20 million APY is likely a reflection of his desire to help the Ravens remain competitive in a highly competitive AFC. By providing the team with flexibility under the salary cap, Stanley’s willingness to accept a deal below market value could allow the Ravens to invest in other key positions, such as receiver or defensive playmakers, which are critical for championship contention.

It is worth noting that Stanley’s financial selflessness is not without precedent in the NFL. Some players, particularly those who have established themselves as elite talents, are often willing to take less money in order to help their teams build around them. This approach allows teams to use available cap space to bolster their rosters and remain competitive, all while keeping the star player happy with a reasonable contract.

For Stanley, the motivation behind this offer may be rooted in his commitment to the team and his desire to help the Ravens achieve success in the long term. Given that he’s experienced several seasons of both individual success and injury setbacks, Stanley is likely focused on playing for a team that can contend for championships rather than maximizing his earning potential.

The Timing: A Complex Contract Situation

While Stanley’s offer to the Ravens may have initially seemed like a golden opportunity for the franchise, the timing of the contract discussions is critical. Stanley’s long-term health and availability have been a concern in recent seasons. After suffering a significant ankle injury in 2020, which kept him out for the remainder of the season, Stanley has struggled with injuries in the years since. However, when healthy, Stanley is regarded as one of the league’s best left tackles, and the Ravens’ offense benefits greatly from his protection of Lamar Jackson’s blind side.

The question for the Ravens is whether Stanley’s injury history, combined with the long-term financial commitment required for a deal worth $20 million per year, is worth the risk. While Stanley has been a consistent performer when healthy, his injury history raises questions about whether he can maintain his high level of play for the duration of a long-term contract. Given the significant financial investment a $20 million deal would require, the Ravens must carefully evaluate Stanley’s durability and consider how to structure the deal in a way that mitigates the risk of another long-term injury.

The Ravens are also dealing with the fact that they are facing other critical contract decisions, including the looming contract negotiations for quarterback Lamar Jackson. With Jackson being one of the highest-paid players in the league and expected to be at the center of the Ravens’ offense for years to come, Baltimore must balance its cap situation carefully. Stanley’s reported willingness to offer a bargain deal would undoubtedly help the team avoid some of the salary cap constraints associated with a more expensive contract.

In addition, there are other factors that could influence the contract talks, including the Ravens’ desire to keep their offensive line strong and protect Jackson in the long term. While Stanley’s offer may provide some flexibility, the Ravens must also consider whether to make long-term investments in other areas of the roster, such as the wide receiver corps, as they look to provide Jackson with the weapons he needs to succeed.

The Ravens’ Strategy and Future Outlook

Given the financial flexibility that Stanley’s offer would provide, the Ravens are in a position to make key decisions about how to allocate resources moving forward. The Ravens have already made significant moves in recent seasons to improve their roster, including investing in defensive talent and upgrading their weapons on offense. However, there are still areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of the wide receiver group, where the team has struggled to provide Lamar Jackson with consistent weapons.

If the Ravens are able to lock Stanley into a long-term deal at a reasonable rate, it could pave the way for them to invest in other key areas of the roster. Additionally, a more affordable contract for Stanley would provide the Ravens with the ability to maintain cap flexibility, which is essential for navigating the increasingly competitive AFC.

However, the decision to commit to Stanley for the long term also hinges on his ability to stay healthy and continue playing at an elite level. If the Ravens can secure Stanley at a reasonable price, they will have one of the league’s best left tackles to protect their quarterback and help solidify the offensive line for years to come.