The Baltimore Ravens Receive Great Appreciation for Signing Ronnie Stanley

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to sign Ronnie Stanley to a long-term contract has been a pivotal moment for the franchise, receiving widespread praise from fans, analysts, and former players alike. Stanley, the former Notre Dame standout, has quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the NFL since being drafted by the Ravens in 2016. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and establish dominance in the running game has made him invaluable to the success of the Ravens’ offense. In this piece, we will explore why the signing of Ronnie Stanley has been so well-received, the impact it has had on the Ravens, and why the deal is considered a great move for both the player and the franchise.

1. The Importance of the Offensive Line in Modern Football

In today’s NFL, the importance of a solid offensive line cannot be overstated. Offensive linemen are the unsung heroes of the game—often overshadowed by flashier skill players such as quarterbacks and wide receivers. However, without a strong offensive line, even the best quarterbacks and running backs will struggle to perform. An offensive line’s primary responsibility is to provide protection for the quarterback and open up running lanes for the running back. When an offensive tackle like Ronnie Stanley excels at these duties, it has a profound impact on the entire offense.

Ronnie Stanley’s position on the left side of the offensive line is of particular importance, as the left tackle is tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside. For most right-handed quarterbacks, the blindside is the most vulnerable area, and a quarterback’s ability to perform can be significantly compromised if they feel pressured or are frequently hit from behind. Having a reliable and dominant left tackle like Stanley provides not only protection but also confidence for the quarterback, who can focus on reading defenses and making plays without worrying about getting sacked or injured.

2. Ronnie Stanley’s Early Career and Development

Ronnie Stanley’s path to becoming one of the NFL’s best tackles began at Notre Dame, where he earned recognition for his exceptional pass-blocking skills and ability to hold his ground against powerful defensive linemen. His impressive performance in college led to him being selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

From his first year in the league, Stanley demonstrated the technical skills and physical attributes that made him a future star. He started all 16 games in his rookie season, quickly gaining the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates. Stanley’s blend of athleticism, strength, and technique made him a key contributor to a Ravens offensive line that was, at the time, undergoing significant changes.

Over the next few years, Stanley’s game continued to evolve. He became known for his strong pass protection, which allowed the Ravens’ quarterbacks to have more time in the pocket. His ability to shut down some of the league’s top pass rushers was particularly notable. Stanley’s prowess was evident in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons, during which he received Pro Bowl selections and earned recognition as one of the top tackles in the league.

3. The 2020 Season and the Contract Negotiations

By the time the Ravens entered negotiations for a new contract with Ronnie Stanley, the team had already witnessed his impact on the field. Stanley had played a crucial role in protecting Lamar Jackson, the franchise quarterback, and in helping the team’s dynamic rushing attack. However, in November 2020, Stanley suffered a season-ending ankle injury that temporarily sidelined him and left some uncertainty about his future. The Ravens’ offense struggled without Stanley on the field, which only reinforced his value to the team.

In 2021, the Ravens moved forward with contract discussions to secure Stanley’s future in Baltimore. The organization faced the challenge of retaining one of their top players while also managing salary cap space and other roster needs. The Ravens’ front office, led by general manager Eric DeCosta, recognized that securing Stanley to a long-term deal was not just about the 2021 season, but about building for the future. In the NFL, a top-tier left tackle is a crucial piece of a championship-caliber team, and Stanley’s ability to anchor the offensive line for years to come made him a priority.

In November 2020, the Ravens made the decision to reward Stanley’s outstanding play by signing him to a five-year, $112.9 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time. The deal, which included $70.9 million in guaranteed money, reflected the team’s commitment to building a strong foundation around Lamar Jackson and the offense. It also sent a message to the rest of the league that the Ravens were committed to winning and willing to invest in the right players.

4. Why the Signing Was So Praised

Several factors contributed to the widespread praise the Ravens received for signing Ronnie Stanley to a long-term deal:

• Locking Down a Key Position: As mentioned earlier, the left tackle position is one of the most crucial positions on the field, especially when it comes to protecting the quarterback. By securing Stanley for the long term, the Ravens ensured that Lamar Jackson would have the protection he needed to thrive. With Stanley anchoring the left side of the offensive line, Jackson could focus on his dynamic playmaking ability without worrying about blindside pressure.
• Investing in the Offensive Line: The Ravens’ decision to sign Stanley to a long-term deal was a clear commitment to building a strong, well-balanced team. Historically, the Ravens have been known for their stout defense, but in recent years, they’ve prioritized building a high-powered offense as well. The offensive line is the foundation of any offense, and the Ravens recognized that by making Stanley one of the highest-paid players in the league at his position. This move demonstrated their long-term vision and willingness to invest in their offense.
• Maintaining Competitive Advantage: The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals all fielding strong rosters. The Ravens knew that to remain competitive in the division and to compete for Super Bowls, they needed to ensure their offensive line was one of the best in the league. By locking in Stanley, they ensured that one of their most important offensive assets would remain in Baltimore for years to come.
• A Show of Trust in Ronnie Stanley: The Ravens’ faith in Stanley’s ability to recover from his injury and continue playing at an elite level was another reason the signing was well-received. While some questioned whether Stanley would return to his previous form after his injury, the Ravens’ front office showed confidence in his rehabilitation process and his dedication to the game. This trust was rewarded when Stanley returned to the field, continuing to perform at an elite level and solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier tackles.

5. Impact on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Offense

The contract extension for Ronnie Stanley directly impacted Lamar Jackson’s performance and the overall success of the Ravens’ offense. Lamar Jackson is known for his electrifying playmaking ability, both as a passer and as a runner. However, his success depends heavily on the offensive line’s ability to protect him from pressure and provide him with the time and space he needs to make plays. With Stanley as his blindside protector, Jackson’s ability to read defenses and make plays with confidence was significantly enhanced.

Additionally, the Ravens’ offensive scheme relies heavily on the running game, and Stanley’s dominance in the running game has helped the team remain one of the league’s top rushing offenses. The Ravens’ ability to control the clock and win the battle at the line of scrimmage has been critical to their success, and Stanley’s presence on the offensive line has been a driving force behind that.

6. The Future of Ronnie Stanley and the Baltimore Ravens

As the Ravens move forward with Stanley locked into a long-term deal, the future of the franchise looks promising. With an elite left tackle in place, Lamar Jackson’s development as a quarterback is given a significant boost, and the Ravens can continue to focus on building a well-rounded roster that competes for championships.

Stanley’s continued success in Baltimore is critical to the team’s ability to contend for Super Bowls in the coming years. His ability to stay healthy and play at a high level will be a key factor in the Ravens’ offensive success. Additionally, the Ravens will likely look to continue surrounding Jackson with playmakers, including developing their receiving corps and adding depth to the offensive line.

While it remains to be seen how the Ravens will perform in future seasons, the signing of Ronnie Stanley represents a crucial step in their ongoing quest to remain a perennial contender in the NFL. The deal was not only a reward for Stanley’s past performance but also an investment in the team’s future.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to sign Ronnie Stanley to a long-term contract was met with great appreciation and praise from all corners of the football world. The signing solidified the team’s offensive line for years to come, provided stability and protection for Lamar Jackson, and demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team. Ronnie Stanley’s impact on the Ravens has been undeniable, and the team’s investment in him was not only a recognition of his talent but also a strategic move to ensure the team’s success in the future. As long as Stanley remains healthy and continues to play at a high level, the Ravens’ offensive line will remain one of the most formidable units in the league, and the team will be positioned to continue competing for championships for years to come.