NFL insider reports that Ronnie Stanley’s contract talks with the Ravens are progressing, but a deal has not been finalized yet.

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. While they have consistently had one of the league’s most formidable rushing attacks, the ability to protect their quarterbacks has been a continual storyline, particularly in the case of left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Stanley, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman, has been a key piece of the Ravens’ offensive line since being drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, his status with the team has come into focus recently as contract talks with the Ravens have become a major topic of conversation.

According to a recent report from an NFL insider, the contract talks between Stanley and the Ravens are progressing, but the two sides have not yet reached a deal. This comes as both Stanley and the Ravens find themselves at a crossroads, with significant decisions to be made about his future with the team. As the Ravens attempt to rebuild their offensive line and retool their team for long-term success, securing Stanley’s future with the team becomes an increasingly important issue.

The Importance of Ronnie Stanley to the Ravens’ Offense

Ronnie Stanley’s importance to the Baltimore Ravens cannot be overstated. As one of the premier left tackles in the league, Stanley has been tasked with the critical job of protecting the blindside of the team’s quarterbacks. In the run-heavy offense that the Ravens run under head coach John Harbaugh, Stanley’s ability to block for Lamar Jackson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, is essential to the team’s success.

Since entering the league in 2016, Stanley has steadily improved each season, earning a reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro for the first time. Stanley’s ability to shut down pass-rushers on the outside while also being effective in the run game helped elevate the Ravens’ offense to a level that made them one of the league’s most dangerous units.

However, Stanley’s career trajectory has not been without its challenges. The most notable setback came in 2020 when Stanley suffered a significant ankle injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. It was a devastating blow to the Ravens, who were already dealing with various injuries throughout the team. Stanley underwent surgery to repair the injury and faced a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Despite his injury concerns, Stanley has still been a key contributor to the Ravens’ offensive line when healthy. The 2021 season was particularly important for him as it marked his return from the injury. However, his performance in 2021, while solid, showed some lingering effects of the injury. As he continued to get back to his full strength, the question about his long-term future with the Ravens started to bubble to the surface, particularly regarding his contract.

The State of Ronnie Stanley’s Contract Situation

Ronnie Stanley is currently under contract with the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal is one that has become increasingly difficult for both sides to navigate. Stanley’s current contract was a five-year deal worth $98.75 million, signed back in 2020, but given the structure of the contract, there are several aspects that make renegotiating or extending his contract an important issue.

For one, Stanley’s 2023 season will be the final year of his current contract. This means that if the Ravens wish to retain him long-term, they’ll need to come to terms on a new deal soon. With his past performance and the role he plays on the team, it’s clear that Stanley is a valuable asset for the Ravens’ success. The challenge, however, lies in the uncertainty surrounding his health.

The injury to Stanley’s ankle in 2020 raised concerns about his long-term durability. While he has shown he can still be effective, particularly in 2021, the concerns around his recovery from the injury remain. As a result, the Ravens must weigh whether they want to make a long-term financial commitment to Stanley, given the risk involved. On the other hand, Stanley is one of the best in the business, and retaining him is important if the Ravens hope to remain competitive in the AFC and protect Lamar Jackson’s blindside.

The Ravens’ Need for Stability on the Offensive Line

For the Ravens, having a stable and effective offensive line is paramount. Over the years, the team has prided itself on its ability to establish a dominant rushing attack, and the play of the offensive line is central to that success. As the NFL has evolved, so too has the importance of pass protection. In today’s game, protecting the quarterback is just as crucial as creating running lanes. With Lamar Jackson’s ability to extend plays and make electrifying throws, protecting his blindside has never been more important.

Ronnie Stanley is the cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line, and his ability to play at a high level is integral to the success of the team’s offense. However, the Ravens also understand that they cannot simply rely on one player to carry the line, and the team has been active in upgrading other positions along the offensive front. The addition of veterans and younger talent to the line over the past few seasons suggests that the team is looking to secure stability and depth in the trenches for the future. In that context, keeping Stanley on a long-term contract extension would ensure that the left tackle position remains solidified for the foreseeable future.

The Ravens’ front office knows that any decision involving Stanley will have a ripple effect on their salary cap situation and their future roster planning. Making an investment in Stanley means allocating a significant portion of their cap space to one player, which could limit their ability to address other areas of the roster. Given the competitive nature of the AFC and the tough competition in the division, maintaining balance in terms of cap space and player development is crucial. Nevertheless, securing Stanley’s long-term future may very well be the right move to ensure the Ravens remain competitive.

Ronnie Stanley’s Contract and the NFL’s Changing Financial Landscape

One of the driving factors behind the slow-moving contract negotiations for Stanley is the rapidly changing financial landscape of the NFL. As the salary cap continues to rise, top-tier players are securing huge contracts, and left tackles, in particular, have become some of the highest-paid players on the team. The Ravens will need to offer Stanley a contract that not only compensates him fairly for his talent but also takes into account his injury history and the volatility of the market.

The deal that Stanley will likely command will be among the highest for a left tackle in the NFL. Currently, players like David Bakhtiari (Green Bay Packers) and Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers) are among the top earners at the position, with deals worth over $20 million per year. The market for offensive linemen continues to grow, and Stanley’s camp will likely be seeking a deal that reflects his talent and importance to the Ravens’ offense.

The Ravens, however, are not necessarily known for handing out blockbuster contracts, especially in recent years. While the team is traditionally willing to spend on key players, they are cautious about taking on long-term financial commitments. This is especially true given the uncertain future of quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose contract situation is also a point of focus for the organization. The Ravens’ decision to allocate resources to Stanley’s contract could potentially impact their ability to make moves elsewhere, particularly if they are still in the process of negotiating a deal with Jackson.

The Possibilities Going Forward

As it stands, the two sides remain in negotiations, but a deal has yet to be finalized. There are several possibilities moving forward. The most likely outcome is that the Ravens will eventually come to terms on a contract extension with Stanley, perhaps with some concessions built in to account for his health concerns. If this happens, Stanley would continue to anchor the Ravens’ offensive line for the foreseeable future, giving the team the stability they need on the left side.

However, there is also the possibility that the Ravens could move on from Stanley if a deal is not reached. While this would be a significant blow to the team, they would likely try to find a replacement in the draft or through free agency. There is no shortage of talented offensive linemen, and the Ravens are known for being able to identify and develop talent along the offensive line.

For Stanley, the stakes are high as well. The contract he secures will set the tone for the remainder of his career. Given the uncertainty around his health, Stanley will likely seek a deal that ensures long-term financial security while also providing him with the opportunity to continue playing at a high level. Whether he remains with the Ravens or tests the market elsewhere, his next contract will be critical to his future in the NFL.