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

As the NFL enters another offseason, the Baltimore Ravens are preparing for significant roster decisions, particularly regarding their unrestricted free agents. Among the top names on their list are two players who have been central to the team’s success in recent years: offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and defensive back Brandon Stephens. Both of these players are not only crucial pieces of the Ravens’ puzzle, but their free-agent status presents a unique challenge for the front office, which will need to assess their value and potential impact for the future.

Ronnie Stanley: A Pillar on the Offensive Line

The Importance of the Left Tackle Position

In today’s NFL, the left tackle is one of the most critical positions on the field. This player protects the quarterback’s blind side and is tasked with keeping the edge rushers at bay, ensuring that the offense can operate efficiently. The Ravens, who have long relied on a strong running game and a mobile quarterback in Lamar Jackson, understand the importance of having a reliable left tackle. Ronnie Stanley has been exactly that since the Ravens selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Stanley’s presence on the left side of the line has been integral to the Ravens’ offensive success, particularly in the post-Joe Flacco era when Lamar Jackson took over the starting quarterback role. Jackson’s dynamic style of play demands a different type of protection, and Stanley’s blend of agility and strength has allowed him to adapt to Jackson’s movements while still being able to keep the pocket clean for traditional passing plays.

Injury Setbacks and Impact on Future Value

Unfortunately for Stanley and the Ravens, injuries have been a significant part of his story. In 2020, Stanley signed a lucrative five-year extension worth $98.75 million, making him one of the highest-paid left tackles in the league. However, his 2020 season ended abruptly with a severe ankle injury, and he missed the entirety of the 2021 season. Stanley has been battling injuries since his return in 2022, playing through some pain and missing games, which raises questions about his long-term durability.

Despite these injury concerns, when Stanley is on the field, he remains one of the premier left tackles in the league. His ability to shut down opposing edge rushers is crucial to the Ravens’ offensive scheme, and the team knows that a healthy Stanley is one of the best in the business. Given that offensive line play is often one of the most highly valued commodities in free agency, Stanley will likely attract significant interest from other teams, especially if the Ravens cannot offer him a deal that reflects his true value as a top-tier player.

Potential Re-Sign or Departure?

The Ravens will have a tough decision to make. If Stanley can prove that he’s fully recovered from his injuries and remains an elite option at left tackle, the team will likely want to keep him as a cornerstone of the offensive line. However, if the Ravens believe Stanley’s injury history is a significant risk, they may look to part ways with him and invest in a younger, healthier player. This could be especially true if the Ravens decide to prioritize cap space in the upcoming years to extend Lamar Jackson, or if they choose to draft a left tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ultimately, Stanley’s future with the Ravens will depend on his health, his market value, and whether the Ravens are willing to invest significant money in a player who has shown flashes of greatness but has also been held back by injuries.

Brandon Stephens: A Versatile Defensive Back

A Key Contributor on Defense

While Stanley’s role is highly visible on offense, Brandon Stephens plays a more understated yet equally important role on the defensive side of the ball. The Ravens have built their reputation as one of the top defensive teams in the NFL, and Stephens has played a crucial role in their secondary since being drafted by Baltimore in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Initially a running back at SMU, Stephens transitioned to cornerback during his time in college, showcasing his adaptability and football IQ.

Since joining the Ravens, Stephens has been a reliable and versatile contributor. While he started primarily as a cornerback, he has been moved around within the secondary to fill gaps where needed. In particular, his ability to play both cornerback and safety has made him an invaluable asset for the Ravens, who have frequently dealt with injuries in their defensive backfield. His experience as a hybrid defensive back gives the Ravens flexibility in their defensive schemes and provides much-needed depth to a secondary that already includes standout players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams.

The Versatility Factor

What makes Stephens particularly valuable is his versatility. His ability to line up in multiple positions allows the Ravens to adjust their defensive game plans on the fly, depending on the matchups. In a league where offenses are constantly evolving and spreading the field, having players who can seamlessly transition between positions is a luxury that many teams cannot afford. Stephens’ skill set, which includes an understanding of both the cornerback and safety roles, allows him to cover a wide range of assignments, from covering top wide receivers to playing in the box against the run or even in nickel and dime packages.

Additionally, Stephens has shown flashes of playmaking ability, including key tackles and interceptions. While he may not yet be a household name like some of the more prominent cornerbacks or safeties around the league, he is a player who consistently makes solid contributions and has the potential to develop into a key piece of the Ravens’ defense for years to come.

Contract Negotiations and Market Value

As an unrestricted free agent, Brandon Stephens is in a unique position. While his value may not be as high as some of the league’s top cornerbacks or safeties, his versatility and potential for growth could make him a desirable target for teams seeking a reliable and flexible defensive back. The Ravens may be in a position to retain him at a reasonable price, particularly if they see him as a long-term solution as a versatile defensive piece, rather than relying solely on him as a starting cornerback.

However, other teams looking to bolster their secondary depth may see Stephens as a player who could step into a more prominent role. His ability to cover multiple positions makes him a highly sought-after player in today’s NFL, where depth in the secondary is at a premium. Depending on how the market unfolds, the Ravens may face stiff competition to re-sign him.

Conclusion: The Future of Stanley and Stephens in Baltimore

The future of Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens is uncertain, but both are undeniably important pieces of the Ravens’ current roster. Stanley, when healthy, is one of the top left tackles in the league and would be a key part of the Ravens’ offensive line for the foreseeable future. However, his injury history may make the Ravens cautious in offering him a long-term deal, especially given the team’s salary cap considerations and the possibility of drafting or acquiring a younger, healthier tackle.

On the other hand, Brandon Stephens represents a versatile and valuable asset to the Ravens’ defense. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary provides the team with flexibility and depth, and he has shown the ability to make key plays in various roles. While Stephens may not be a superstar, his value as a versatile defensive back could be enough to keep him in Baltimore for the long term.

Ultimately, both Stanley and Stephens will play important roles in the Ravens’ decision-making process as they approach the 2025 offseason. Whether the team re-signs them or allows them to walk in free agency will likely depend on a combination of their health, performance, and the market conditions for their respective positions. For the Ravens, managing their roster effectively will be key to maintaining their competitive edge, and how they handle these two unrestricted free agents will be an important factor in their success going forward.