Mink: Yes, I think the Ravens view a potential deal with Ronnie Stanley as a priority. He's one of their top pending unrestricted free agents and No. 3 in the entire NFL, according to ESPN. However, that also puts Stanley as the top free agent at his position, which means he'll come at a high cost. As much as the Ravens would like to keep him, it doesn't mean a deal will ultimately get done. As it always does, the Ravens will approach free agency with their "right player, right price" mantra.
Stanley checks the "right player" box. He returned to Pro Bowl form in 2024, showing after years of nagging injuries that he's still one of the top left tackles in the game. He also stepped into more of a leadership role, taking young tackle Roger Rosengarten and others under his wing. It seemed that after almost every practice, Stanley was getting in extra work and treatment to stay sharp. The Ravens will calculate how much faith they have that Stanley, who will turn 31 in March, will remain healthy and at that level moving forward.
The other box is "right price." Spotrac projects Stanley to fetch a contract averaging more than $20 million per year. With currently just under $10 million of effective salary cap space and other needs to address, the Ravens would likely have to free up extra space to fit Stanley under the cap. The higher-than-expected cap does help, but how much cap space is Baltimore willing to create? Plus, the Ravens have other premier young players who they will want to give large contract extensions to in years to come and you can't pay everyone.
The Ravens' offensive line made great strides last season. Baltimore doesn't want to go backwards but is also confident in the long-term rebuilding plan that it launched last offseason. Part of that plan could be moving Rosengarten to left tackle and finding another right tackle like the Ravens did last offseason.
Point is, while I think the Ravens hold Stanley in high regard, all options are on the table, as General Manager Eric DeCosta stated at the season-review press conference.
"We'll look at potentially bringing back our guys; we'll look at the draft; we'll look at free agency," DeCosta said. "We'll overturn every rock to find as many good offensive linemen as we can."
Mink: I'll take this one because I'm sticking with Stanley. He would be the Ravens' candidate this year. However, I don't think it's likely.
The franchise tag number for offensive linemen, per Over the Cap, is projected to be more than $25 million this season. On one hand, that's in the same ballpark as the projected $20 million per year we just discussed that Stanley is expected to command. The big difference, however, is the $20 million average can be spread across multiple years to make it more palatable this year. Trying to fit $25 million under the cap this year would be a hefty undertaking.
The scenario in which I could see the Ravens giving Stanley the tag is if they feel they can't afford to keep him long-term because they have other ascending young players to pay and don't feel comfortable they can find a suitable left tackle replacement for this season. But they went into last offseason replacing three starters and I expect they have faith in their ability to fill in gaps again this year if they can't reach extensions with Stanley or Patrick Mekari.
Brown: It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Ravens take a pass rusher in Round 1. In his most recent mock draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had Baltimore targeting Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M. Even if the Ravens don't begin with a pass rusher, I expect them to draft at least one.
They could also sign a veteran with Dante Fowler Jr., Malcolm Koonce, Khalil Mack, Azeez Olujari, Haason Reddick, and Chase Young among those set to become free agents. Signing Kyle Van Noy, who has produced 21.5 sacks in two seasons with Baltimore, was a terrific free agent veteran signing for Baltimore.
However, I don't think Jason Pierre-Paul will be rejoining the Ravens at age 36. Pierre-Paul was out of the NFL in 2024, he didn't register a sack in 2023, and he had three sacks in 14 games with Baltimore in 2022. There have been rumors about Pierre-Paul wanting to make a comeback, but I think the Ravens will head in a different direction.
Brown: That's a thoughtful question.
Two beloved figures in the Ravens organization passed away last summer – Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris and former wide receiver and Super Bowl hero Jacoby Jones.
The Ravens wore helmet decals honoring them throughout the 2024 season and losing them was difficult. Handling problems while being in the public eye and facing the pressure to win is part of the challenge for all NFL players and coaches.
The organization has a talented support staff to help players, coaches and all employees deal with grief and personal issues. Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley (Team Clinician) and Dr. Lori Robinson (Player Engagement Manager) are among members of the organization who focus each day on the team's mental and personal well-being. I did a podcast with them early last year if you'd like to listen for more insight.
