An update on Ronnie Stanley’s contract negotiations with the Ravens is provided by an NFL insider.

The Significance of Ronnie Stanley to the Ravens’ Offensive Line

Ronnie Stanley’s role with the Baltimore Ravens extends beyond his play on the field. As a left tackle, Stanley is the cornerstone of the offensive line, entrusted with protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside. This position is critical in any offense, and Stanley has consistently demonstrated the skill and reliability to meet the demands.

Since being drafted in 2016, Stanley has been a highly regarded player, even making the Pro Bowl in 2020. Despite the struggles with injuries, particularly the serious ankle injury he sustained during the 2020 season, Stanley has rebounded well in recent years, showing the level of talent that made him a high draft pick in the first place.

However, with Stanley set to enter his 30s, concerns surrounding his durability and the financial viability of maintaining him at the current contract level have prompted the Ravens to reassess their position. Stanley’s age and injury history are key factors in the negotiations, especially as the team balances its priorities and salary cap space for the coming years.

The Current Contract: What’s At Stake

Stanley is currently under contract through the 2025 season, but that deal—worth up to $98.75 million over five years with over $70 million in guarantees—is now in its later stages. The original deal positioned him among the top-paid offensive linemen in the league, but with the rise of new contracts across the league, including for players at similar positions, Stanley’s deal is somewhat outdated in terms of market value.

With the emergence of younger, high-performing tackles and the increasing cap figures around the NFL, Stanley’s potential next contract could set a new benchmark for his position. For instance, in recent years, top-tier left tackles like Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers) have set the stage with massive deals, sometimes pushing past the $23 million mark in annual average value. This makes Stanley’s negotiations particularly interesting, as he could seek a contract that not only reflects his established value but also his continued role as one of the league’s premier left tackles.

Salary Cap and the Ravens’ Financial Strategy

As of 2025, the Ravens have a relatively modest salary cap situation, with only about $10 million in cap space. This leaves the team in a position where retaining Stanley at his current pay structure or giving him an extension could involve creative financial moves. The team may have to restructure existing contracts or release some players in order to make room for an additional, high-value contract. A longer-term extension for Stanley would also push back any potential issues with cap space, but it would limit the team’s flexibility in the short term.

Moreover, the Ravens are focused on managing their resources effectively, particularly given their need to allocate funds to other key players—such as quarterback Lamar Jackson (whose contract extension has been a major storyline over the past few years) and other roster needs. The Ravens are also looking to build around a younger core, especially as their defense remains one of the more stable units in the NFL. In this context, paying a premium for a left tackle might not align perfectly with the team’s broader strategy of cap management and roster construction.

Stanley’s Injury History and Future Health Concerns

One of the most significant variables in these negotiations is Stanley’s injury history. His ankle injury in 2020 sidelined him for most of the season and required surgeries that limited his availability in 2021. While he played in all 17 games in 2024, any team considering a long-term commitment to Stanley will need assurances that he is beyond the worst of his injury troubles. The Ravens have been patient with Stanley’s recovery, and his performance in the 2024 season suggested that he is on the right track, but the specter of injury will always be a concern.

The Ravens are likely to factor this history into any potential deal, whether it’s a restructured contract, a shorter-term extension, or the application of incentives tied to performance and availability. This could also affect the annual value of his contract, as the team may want to protect itself from any future injury setbacks. Thus, it’s likely that any extension or restructuring would have clauses that protect the Ravens in case Stanley’s health declines again.

Stanley’s Potential Departure: Interest from Other Teams

If the Ravens do not come to terms with Stanley or choose not to re-sign him, he would enter a crowded free-agent market. The value of left tackles in today’s NFL means that many teams would have interest in a proven, high-caliber player like Stanley.

There have already been reports linking Stanley to several potential suitors. Notably, the Kansas City Chiefs are a team that could be in the market for a veteran left tackle, especially after their struggles in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, where their offensive line showed vulnerability in key moments. Adding a player of Stanley’s caliber could provide a significant upgrade.

Additionally, the New England Patriots have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Stanley, as their offensive line has been inconsistent, and they’ve been active in seeking out veteran talent to stabilize the unit. Both of these teams, especially the Chiefs, would likely be willing to offer Stanley a substantial deal, and his familiarity with offensive line schemes could be an asset to these systems.

Nevertheless, as noted earlier, the Ravens are expected to work to retain him. Baltimore’s familiarity with Stanley, as well as his established role within the offense, means that the team will likely prioritize finding a way to keep him on the roster.

Potential Contract Scenarios for Stanley

There are several possible outcomes for Stanley’s contract situation:

1. Extension with Incentives: A deal that includes a base salary, performance incentives, and possibly a signing bonus. This would provide flexibility for the Ravens and allow Stanley to earn additional compensation based on his playtime and performance metrics. This is likely the most feasible outcome, as it would balance financial flexibility for the team while still rewarding Stanley for his contributions.
2. Short-Term Deal with High Guarantees: If the Ravens and Stanley cannot agree on a long-term contract but still want to keep him for a few more years, a short-term extension with high guarantees could be negotiated. This would allow Stanley to secure financial security while giving the Ravens flexibility to re-assess his health and performance in a few seasons.
3. Franchise Tag: In the event that no deal is reached by the start of free agency, the Ravens could choose to apply the franchise tag to Stanley. This would effectively guarantee him a one-year deal at a high salary (around $22 million for 2025) while the team continues to negotiate a longer-term agreement. However, this is often seen as a stopgap solution and could create tension if the two sides remain at odds over a longer-term deal.
4. Departure and Free Agency: If the Ravens and Stanley fail to come to terms on a new deal, Stanley could leave in free agency. Teams like the Chiefs and Patriots could offer competitive contracts, and the Ravens would need to find a replacement, either through the draft or free agency, to fill his role.

 The Stakes for the Ravens

As the March 2025 free agency period draws closer, Ronnie Stanley’s contract situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines for the Ravens. The team’s approach will reflect broader strategies involving salary cap management, roster building, and the balancing of short-term success with long-term planning.

Retaining Stanley would provide a stabilizing force on the offensive line, keeping one of the league’s best left tackles in place to protect Lamar Jackson and give the offense more time to operate. Yet, the team will have to weigh the financial costs, his injury history, and the potential for other teams to swoop in with a more enticing offer.

For Stanley, this negotiation represents an opportunity to secure his future with the Ravens or elsewhere, depending on the terms and offers he receives. With his ability, leadership, and durability now solidified, he’ll likely remain one of the most coveted free agents on the market—if he does hit the open market.

Fans, analysts, and NFL insiders will be keeping a close eye on how the situation develops as both Stanley and the Ravens navigate this critical contract negotiation.