A number of the Baltimore Ravens’ players had something to prove or were in a contract year going into the 2024 campaign. Ronnie Stanley, a veteran left tackle who renegotiated his deal with the Ravens to accept a $7.5 million pay reduction, fit both qualifications.
In addition to being the Ravens’ best and most reliable offensive lineman through the first four games, Stanley is coming off his first totally healthy summer since the one that followed his standout 2019 campaign. He is also in Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro form.
Ronnie Stanley is receiving a lot of praise for his performance this season, particularly from Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh commended Stanley not only for his pass protection but also for his effectiveness in the run game, highlighting his skills in making various types of blocks. Stanley’s leadership on a young offensive line has been crucial, and his performance metrics support his high level of play.
ESPN analytics show that Stanley is leading the NFL in pass-block win rate, and he ranks second in Pro Football Focus’s pass-blocking grades for offensive tackles, behind only Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles. Through Week 4, Stanley has only allowed four pressures and no sacks, a testament to his consistency and reliability. Stanley’s own reflections on “The Lounge” podcast suggest that he feels he’s overcoming past health struggles and returning to his best form, both mentally and physically.
“Obviously, part of it is being able to play at 100% health-wise and doing the things I know I can do, and I think taking it upon myself to maintain that standard for myself just this offseason, training camp, and OTAs,” Stanley stated.
Prior to his initial injury setback, Stanley was regarded as one of the league’s greatest blindside protectors, if not the best. He has also improved as a run-blocker over the years, and many of the Ravens’ best ground gains this season have come from him.
Ronnie Stanley’s offseason contract restructuring, which voided the final year of his deal, has set him up to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. With his performance trending upward, it’s clear that Stanley is regaining his elite form, making the potential cost of re-signing him much higher if the Ravens wait too long. His importance to the team, especially in protecting Lamar Jackson, means that securing his future in Baltimore should be a top priority for GM Eric DeCosta.
Stanley is still relatively young for a left tackle at 30, especially when compared to other elite but injury-prone players like Terron Armstead and Tyron Smith, who are in their 30s but play on reasonably priced deals. However, Stanley’s return to form may make him a premium player on the market, commanding significantly more than those contracts if he continues his current trajectory.
For the Ravens, losing a franchise left tackle could spell significant trouble, particularly with the dynamic nature of their offense. Finding a replacement of Stanley’s caliber would be difficult, so locking him into an extension before his price skyrockets seems like a critical move to maintain the team’s stability and protect Jackson.
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