If the Baltimore Ravens can’t negotiate a deal to keep offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, they have a willing dance partner waiting in the wings.
As Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta talked with Stanley’s agent at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, reports surfaced that the New England Patriots are chomping at the bit to sign the two-time Pro Bowler if he hits free agency. DeCosta seems intent on keep Stanley, but he’d be better off to trade him for assets in return rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency.
“Well Ronnie and I did a deal last time, so that’s great,” DeCosta told reporters last week. ”He and I have a good friendship; we’ve known each other for a long time. He’s got a great agent in Kim Miale. You never want to say 100 percent, but I feel good that we’ll have a good, healthy debate, a good process. We’re going to meet with Kim in Indy this week and I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to get a deal done.”
The Patriots have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel who’s intent on upgrading protection for promising quarterback Drake Maye. Stanley would be the best offensive tackle on the open market if he hits free agency March 12, and the Patriots would reportedly be first in line.
“The Patriots will also be dogged in attempting to fix their offensive line,” writes MassLive. “They’ll look to upgrade both tackle spots this spring and add at least one guard. The top name to watch is left tackle Ronnie Stanley. If the Ravens Pro Bowler hits the open market, New England is expected to have serious interest.”
After struggling with injuries during the 2020-23 seasons, Stanley started all 17 games for the Ravens in 2024 and was a key blocker for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
