Ronnie Stanley Extends Stay in Baltimore, Commits to Ravens Future
Ronnie Stanley, the cornerstone left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, has officially committed to the team’s future, signing a multi-year contract extension that will keep him in Baltimore through at least the 2025 NFL season and likely beyond. The agreement, confirmed by multiple sources, solidifies the Ravens’ offensive line and provides crucial stability for quarterback Lamar Jackson as the team aims for Super Bowl contention.
The financial details of the extension paint a clear picture of the Ravens’ continued faith in Stanley’s abilities. According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, the three-year deal is valued at $60 million, with a significant $44 million guaranteed. This considerable investment underscores Stanley’s importance to the team, despite his injury history and recent performance fluctuations. It signifies the Ravens’ belief that he can return to, or at least closely resemble, the dominant form that made him an All-Pro.
Stanley’s journey with the Ravens began in 2016 when he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft. From the outset, he was envisioned as the long-term solution at left tackle, a position responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blindside. He quickly lived up to expectations, developing into one of the league’s premier offensive linemen. His exceptional athleticism, technical proficiency, and unwavering dedication earned him widespread recognition and respect throughout the NFL.
The pinnacle of Stanley’s career came in 2019 when he earned a coveted spot on the All-Pro First Team. This prestigious honor solidified his status as one of the very best at his position, showcasing his dominance in both pass protection and run blocking. He was a key component of the Ravens’ record-breaking offense that year, paving the way for Lamar Jackson’s MVP season.
However, Stanley’s career trajectory took an unfortunate turn in the years following his All-Pro selection. A series of debilitating injuries severely hampered his ability to stay on the field. He endured a frustrating period, playing in a mere seven games combined between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. These injuries raised serious questions about his long-term viability and cast doubt on whether he could ever return to his previous level of performance.
Despite the setbacks, Stanley displayed remarkable resilience and determination. He diligently worked his way back, undergoing extensive rehabilitation and dedicating himself to regaining his strength and conditioning. The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw a gradual return to form, as he demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance and solidified his place as a reliable presence on the offensive line.
The 2024 season marked a significant milestone in Stanley’s comeback journey. For the first time in his NFL career, he started every game, showcasing his improved health and durability. His consistent presence was invaluable to the Ravens’ offensive success, providing much-needed stability and leadership. He logged an impressive 1,089 snaps, ranking ninth among all offensive tackles in the league, a testament to his commitment and physical endurance.
While his overall performance in 2024, as evaluated by Pro Football Focus (PFF), placed him as the 37th-ranked tackle out of 81 qualifiers, Stanley’s pass-blocking prowess remained a standout feature of his game. He graded as the 16th-best pass-blocking tackle in the NFL, earning a solid mark of 80.9. His ability to effectively protect Lamar Jackson was crucial, as he allowed only two sacks and 35 pressures on 575 pass-blocking snaps.
Stanley’s contributions were undeniably instrumental in Jackson’s remarkable 2024 season, which saw the quarterback achieve career-best statistical numbers. By providing a secure pocket and effectively neutralizing opposing pass rushers, Stanley allowed Jackson to operate with confidence and make plays downfield. Their continued partnership is essential for the Ravens’ offensive success moving forward.
However, there is still room for improvement in Stanley’s game. He was penalized 13 times in 2024, a statistic he will undoubtedly aim to reduce as he enters his age-31 season in 2025. Minimizing penalties will be a key focus for Stanley and the Ravens’ coaching staff, as these infractions can often disrupt offensive momentum and put the team in unfavorable situations.
The decision to extend Stanley’s contract is a calculated gamble by the Ravens. They are banking on his continued improvement and his ability to stay healthy. The guaranteed money reflects their confidence in his leadership, experience, and potential to return to his All-Pro caliber of play. It also underscores the importance of maintaining continuity on the offensive line, particularly when protecting a franchise quarterback like Lamar Jackson.
The extension allows the Ravens to avoid the uncertainty of potentially losing Stanley to free agency and ensures that they have a reliable left tackle in place for the foreseeable future. It provides a sense of stability and allows the team to focus on other areas of need in the upcoming offseasons.
Ultimately, the success of this contract extension will hinge on Stanley’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level. If he can continue to improve his conditioning, refine his technique, and reduce his penalty count, he has the potential to once again be a dominant force on the Ravens’ offensive line. His presence will be crucial as the team aims to contend for championships in the years to come.
The extension of Ronnie Stanley is more than just a contract; it is a statement of faith, a commitment to stability, and a belief in the power of resilience. It is a testament to the player Stanley has been, and the player the Ravens believe he can still be. The Ravens are betting on Stanley to continue anchoring their offensive line and protecting their franchise quarterback, and only time will tell if that bet pays off.
