AFC rivals EMERGE as THREATS to STEAL Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore Ravens as free agency looms

AFC Rivals Emerge as Threats to Steal Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore Ravens as Free Agency Looms

As the NFL’s free agency period looms on the horizon, a number of high-profile players are expected to hit the open market, potentially reshaping the landscape of the league. One of the most intriguing situations involves Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens’ stalwart left tackle, whose future with the team is currently in question. With the Ravens’ salary cap constraints and Stanley’s status as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen, the possibility of him being lured away by one of their AFC rivals is very real.

Stanley’s situation is one of the most compelling in the NFL right now, as he has not only been a foundational piece of the Ravens’ offensive line since being drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft but has also been a top-tier talent at his position. However, due to the financial complexities of the Ravens’ roster, coupled with the high demand for elite offensive linemen around the league, Stanley could be on the move when free agency opens. The implications for both the Ravens and their AFC rivals could be enormous.

Ronnie Stanley’s Impact on the Ravens

Before diving into the threats posed by AFC rivals, it’s important to understand what Stanley has meant to the Ravens’ offensive line. Over the years, Stanley has emerged as one of the best left tackles in the league. A dominant force in both pass protection and the running game, he has been pivotal in protecting quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, while also providing key blocks for Baltimore’s dynamic rushing attack. Stanley’s presence on the left side of the line has made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive success.

When healthy, Stanley is a top-10 tackle in the NFL. His athleticism, technique, and ability to neutralize opposing edge rushers have made him an irreplaceable piece for Baltimore. However, injuries have recently started to limit his availability. Stanley has missed significant time over the past two seasons, including most of the 2021 season due to a serious ankle injury that required surgery. Although he returned to the field in 2022, questions about his long-term durability persist.

Despite the injury concerns, Stanley’s performance when on the field remains elite. In fact, his overall talent and versatility could make him one of the most coveted free agents in the coming months. However, his status in Baltimore could be complicated by salary cap issues, as the Ravens have other key players to re-sign and limited financial flexibility. This opens the door for AFC rivals to potentially swoop in and make a serious play for Stanley, especially if the Ravens cannot come to terms with him on a new deal.

AFC Rivals: Key Contenders to Steal Ronnie Stanley

The AFC is a competitive conference, and teams are always looking for ways to improve their rosters, especially along the offensive line. Several teams within the conference have the financial flexibility, need for a top-tier tackle, and competitive aspirations to potentially make a run at acquiring Stanley. Let’s take a look at some of the AFC rivals that could emerge as threats to the Ravens’ hopes of retaining their star tackle.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as one of the top teams in the AFC over the past few years, thanks in large part to their dynamic quarterback, Joe Burrow. However, one area that has been a consistent issue for the Bengals is their offensive line. Despite investing heavily in the position in recent years, Cincinnati’s offensive line has been a weak point, particularly in pass protection.

The Bengals have made strides in improving their offensive line, bringing in veterans like La’el Collins and Ted Karras, but they still lack the kind of elite blindside protector that could make their offense even more dangerous. Ronnie Stanley would fit that mold perfectly. If Cincinnati is serious about taking the next step in competing for an AFC championship, acquiring a proven left tackle like Stanley could be the key to elevating their offense.

With Burrow’s long-term future tied to the Bengals, protecting their franchise quarterback is a top priority. Given their cap space and the urgency of keeping Burrow healthy, it would not be a surprise if Cincinnati made a push to sign Stanley, particularly if they believe they can offer him a more lucrative deal than the Ravens.

2. Cleveland Browns

Another AFC North team that could pose a serious threat to the Ravens’ efforts to retain Stanley is the Cleveland Browns. While the Browns have invested heavily in their offensive line in recent years, with the likes of Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin, they still lack a true elite left tackle. Cleveland has a potent offense built around their running game and quarterback Deshaun Watson, but to maximize that potential, they need a left tackle who can provide solid protection in both the passing and running game.

Given the Browns’ current salary cap situation and their desire to contend for an AFC playoff spot, adding a proven commodity like Stanley could make all the difference. The Browns have not been shy about investing in the offensive line, and Stanley would be an immediate upgrade at a critical position. Adding a player of his caliber would also send a message to their division rivals that they are serious about competing for a championship.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are another team that could make a run at Stanley. While the Chiefs already boast one of the best offenses in the NFL, their offensive line has been a point of concern at times, particularly in the Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Kansas City invested heavily in their offensive line ahead of the 2021 season, bringing in players like Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney, there is always room for improvement when it comes to protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs are always in “win-now” mode, and if they see an opportunity to upgrade at left tackle, they will likely pounce on it. Stanley would be a major asset in ensuring that Mahomes remains protected as he continues to lead one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Given the Chiefs’ considerable cap space and their ability to make a competitive offer, they could prove to be a formidable threat to the Ravens.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are a team on the rise, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a talented roster built to contend in the AFC. One area that Miami could look to upgrade is along the offensive line. While the Dolphins have invested in the offensive line in recent years, they still lack a top-tier left tackle, and protecting their young quarterback is paramount to their future success.

Miami has been aggressive in free agency over the past few seasons and could look to make another splash by signing Stanley. If the Dolphins believe that acquiring Stanley will provide the protection needed for Tua to reach his full potential, they will likely pursue him with vigor. With the Dolphins’ strong cap situation and their desire to build a contender in the AFC, they could very well be in the mix to land one of the league’s premier left tackles.

5. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are another team that could be in the market for a top-tier left tackle. With the uncertain future of their quarterback situation and the need to build around a new signal caller, the Colts have a glaring need on the offensive line. While Indianapolis has some solid pieces in place, adding a player of Stanley’s caliber could dramatically improve the line and protect their next quarterback.

The Colts have the financial flexibility to make a run at Stanley, and given their long-term vision and commitment to rebuilding, they may see Stanley as a critical piece to the puzzle. If the Colts are serious about competing in the AFC, securing a player of Stanley’s talent could solidify their offensive line for years to come.

The Ravens’ Response and Potential Obstacles

The Ravens will undoubtedly try to retain Stanley, but their options may be limited. Baltimore is facing a salary cap crunch, and they have other key players to re-sign, including quarterback Lamar Jackson. As a result, the Ravens may be forced to make difficult decisions regarding Stanley’s future with the team. If they cannot offer him the type of financial security he desires, it’s entirely possible that one of the AFC rivals mentioned above could swoop in and offer him a more lucrative deal.

Baltimore will need to weigh the long-term health of Stanley, his potential return to form, and the financial realities of their salary cap. If the Ravens are unable to secure Stanley’s services, the AFC will have a chance to poach one of the NFL’s premier left tackles, potentially tipping the balance of power in the conference.

As the 2025 free agency period approaches, Ronnie Stanley’s status is one of the most compelling storylines to watch. While the Baltimore Ravens will undoubtedly attempt to retain their franchise left tackle, they face significant competition from several AFC rivals, each of whom would love to add Stanley to their roster. Teams like the Bengals, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Colts all have the financial flexibility and roster needs to pursue Stanley aggressively. If Baltimore cannot come to an agreement with Stanley, one of these teams could successfully lure him away, making a major impact on the AFC playoff picture in the coming years.