Among the Ravens’ top ten unrestricted free agents are Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens.
Among the Ravens’ Top Ten Unrestricted Free Agents Are Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens: What It Means for the Team’s Future
As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, teams across the league are looking ahead to the future while managing their current rosters. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team with a storied history of success and a bright future, the offseason brings both opportunity and challenge. Among their top priorities this year are the decisions they must make regarding their unrestricted free agents, including offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Brandon Stephens. Both players have contributed significantly to the team, and their futures in Baltimore are uncertain as the team looks to balance its cap space, future contracts, and overall roster needs.
In this article, we will explore the current state of the Baltimore Ravens, assess the value of Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens, and examine how their respective contracts may shape the team’s future. As unrestricted free agents, both players are free to negotiate with any team, but the Ravens will have to make crucial decisions on whether to re-sign them, let them walk, or potentially franchise tag them to maintain continuity and build for the future.
Ronnie Stanley: The Anchor of the Offensive Line
Ronnie Stanley, a former first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has been one of the cornerstones of the Ravens’ offensive line since his arrival. A gifted tackle with incredible size, strength, and agility, Stanley was expected to become one of the league’s premier left tackles, and for a while, he lived up to the hype. He was a key part of the Ravens’ offensive success and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019. However, injuries have slowed his progress in recent seasons, casting some doubt on his future with the team.
1. Injury Concerns and Impact on Performance
Stanley’s career has been marked by a series of injuries that have affected his performance. After a standout 2019 season, he signed a five-year, $98 million contract extension with the Ravens, making him one of the highest-paid tackles in the league. Unfortunately, Stanley’s injury woes began to mount, with a major ankle injury sidelining him for the entire 2021 season. Despite his return in 2022, he has struggled to regain his prior form. His struggles have led to questions about his durability and whether the Ravens should continue to invest in him at such a high price.
Despite these concerns, when Stanley is healthy, he remains one of the top left tackles in the league. He has exceptional pass protection skills, using his size and agility to protect the blind side of quarterbacks, especially important with the Ravens’ focus on developing quarterback Lamar Jackson. If Stanley can return to full health, he would be an essential piece of the Ravens’ offensive line for years to come. However, with his injuries lingering, the Ravens may be forced to weigh the risk of further investing in a player with an uncertain future.
2. What’s at Stake for the Ravens?
Stanley’s unrestricted free agency is one of the most significant decisions the Ravens will face this offseason. If they let him walk, they will need to find a replacement for their most important offensive line position. While the NFL draft offers opportunities to secure a future left tackle, finding a player who can immediately contribute at Stanley’s level will be a tall order.
The Ravens have a history of developing strong offensive linemen, but replacing Stanley’s experience, leadership, and skill would be a challenge. Additionally, the Ravens would be giving up on a player who still has the potential to return to his elite form, which could negatively impact their offense.
On the other hand, re-signing Stanley to a lucrative deal would be a significant financial commitment, and the team would need to ensure that he can remain healthy and perform at a high level. The team could also consider restructuring his contract to alleviate some salary cap pressure while keeping him on the roster for the long term.
Ultimately, the decision on Stanley will be based on his health, his ability to return to Pro Bowl-caliber play, and the Ravens’ confidence in his ability to protect Lamar Jackson’s blind side.
Brandon Stephens: The Versatile Cornerback with Potential
While Ronnie Stanley’s contract situation dominates the conversation, cornerback Brandon Stephens also represents an important unrestricted free agent for the Ravens. Stephens was drafted by Baltimore in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and since then, he has shown flashes of promise as a versatile defensive back. Over the course of his first few seasons, he has been used in various roles, including as a cornerback, safety, and special teams contributor. His flexibility has made him an intriguing option for the Ravens, who value players who can adapt and excel in different positions.
1. Growth and Development as a Cornerback
While Stephens initially struggled in his rookie year, he improved in 2022, contributing as a rotational cornerback and showing potential as a future starter. His size and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to compete for a starting role, but consistency has been an issue. Still, the Ravens are known for their ability to develop defensive talent, and Stephens could be a player that matures into a reliable starter.
One of Stephens’ most appealing qualities is his versatility. He has the ability to play both cornerback and safety, which makes him a valuable asset to the Ravens’ defense, especially in the modern NFL, where defensive backs are often required to take on multiple roles. His ability to match up against both speedy wide receivers and physical tight ends gives defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald multiple options in his schemes.
2. What’s at Stake for the Ravens?
With cornerbacks becoming an increasingly important position in the modern NFL, keeping a player like Stephens could pay off in the long run. If he continues to develop, he could become a key member of the Ravens’ secondary for years to come. The Ravens have been known to retain homegrown talent, and Stephens could be a part of their future defensive plans if they can secure a reasonable deal.
However, as an unrestricted free agent, Stephens is free to negotiate with other teams. The market for versatile cornerbacks is competitive, and Stephens could receive offers from teams in need of defensive back depth. If the Ravens want to retain him, they will likely have to offer him a fair contract that balances his potential with his current level of production.
The Ravens have made significant investments in their defense, and keeping Stephens around would allow them to continue developing a strong secondary without having to rely on expensive free-agent signings. With a young core of talented players, including Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, keeping a versatile player like Stephens could provide valuable depth as the defense continues to evolve.
The Rest of the Top Ten Unrestricted Free Agents
While Stanley and Stephens are two of the most prominent names on the Ravens’ list of unrestricted free agents, they are far from the only key players the team will need to consider. As the Ravens prepare for the 2025 offseason, the following players are also part of the team’s top ten unrestricted free agents:
- Patrick Ricard (FB) – The Ravens’ fullback has been a valuable asset in the running game, providing blocking and occasionally contributing as a ball carrier. Ricard’s versatility as a fullback and defensive lineman makes him a unique player, but his market value as a fullback could impact the team’s decision.
- Gus Edwards (RB) – Edwards has been a reliable option in the Ravens’ running game, providing a steady presence behind Lamar Jackson. The Ravens will have to evaluate whether to bring back Edwards as part of their backfield or invest in younger, cheaper options.
- Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) – After signing with the Ravens during the 2024 season, Beckham showed flashes of his old self as a playmaking receiver. However, his injury history and market value will be significant factors in determining whether the team re-signs him.
- Jihad Ward (DE) – Ward’s leadership and experience in the defensive line room have been important for the Ravens, but his future with the team may depend on how much they are willing to invest in a rotational player at his position.
- Marcus Williams (S) – Williams is one of the top safeties in the league, and the Ravens will need to make a decision on whether to extend him beyond the 2025 season or look for alternatives.
- Clayton Toone (LB) – A versatile linebacker who has contributed in both defensive and special teams roles, Toone’s potential as a depth piece will determine his future in Baltimore.
- Justice Hill (RB) – Hill has provided valuable depth behind Edwards and will be evaluated as part of the team’s running back rotation moving forward.
- Tramon Williams (CB) – The veteran cornerback is nearing the end of his career, and the Ravens will have to decide whether to bring him back for one more season as a depth player or explore younger options at cornerback.
- Ben Powers (OG) – Powers has been a steady contributor along the offensive line, and the Ravens will need to assess whether he’s worth retaining or if they can improve their interior offensive line with a younger, more dynamic player.
- Nick Moore (LS) – The long snapper is an underrated but crucial part of the special teams unit. Moore’s stability and consistency make him a valuable asset for the Ravens, who will need to consider his future.
The Decision-Making Process
The Ravens are in a unique position with several important decisions to make this offseason. With their salary cap space limited and the team needing to prioritize long-term success, they will have to weigh their options carefully. Re-signing Stanley and Stephens will be high on the priority list, but the team will also need to balance their investments across other key positions.
If the Ravens want to stay competitive in the AFC North and beyond, they’ll need to make smart decisions about their unrestricted free agents. Retaining key players like Stanley and Stephens could provide continuity and depth, but they will also have to consider bringing in new talent to address their long-term needs.
As the offseason progresses, the Ravens will continue to assess their roster and make decisions that will shape the team’s future. Whether they bring back Stanley and Stephens or decide to let them walk, the decisions made during this period will play a crucial role in the success of the franchise for years to come.
