The Ravens will have a big hole at LT if Ronnie Stanley leaves.
Ronnie Stanley has been a stalwart on the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line since being drafted in 2016. While his career took a hit due to numerous injuries from 2020-2022, Stanley had a solid 2023 but missed four games. However, in 2024, he played in every game for the first time in his career. It was his best season since 2019, and he reminded Baltimore why he has been their best left tackle since the days of Jonathan Ogden.
Stanley, who will be 31 years old this season, is set to become a free agent and will be one of the top players on the market this offseason. Baltimore will look to re-sign him, but with their cap situation and teams always searching for offensive line help, it might be tough for them to bring him back. Eric DeCosta will need a Plan B in case Stanley departs. Here are some tackle options in free agency if Stanley signs elsewhere.
Morgan Moses
A reunion could be a solid fallback plan. Morgan Moses signed a three-year deal with Baltimore before the 2022 season, spending 2022 and 2023 as the team’s right tackle. He performed well, including playing a key role on the offensive line during their historic 2023 offense. He has played left tackle in his career and has experience there. More importantly, he has chemistry with Lamar Jackson and the Todd Monken offense. Signing a savvy veteran like Moses to play left tackle, at least temporarily, would be a good fit.
Jedrick Wills Jr.
This is as high-risk, high-reward as it gets in this year’s tackle market. Jedrick Wills was a top-10 draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and had the talent to become an elite player at his position. Unfortunately, injuries have hampered his development, and he was even benched last season.
On the upside, Wills is still just 25 years old, and his potential could be unlocked with the right opportunity. A one-year prove-it deal could make sense for Baltimore, especially if he stays healthy. However, with the Ravens trying to win a Super Bowl now, taking a chance on Wills might not be in their best interest. A fresh start in a stable organization could be exactly what he needs.
Tyron Smith
When healthy, Tyron Smith is one of the most consistent left tackles in the NFL. However, injuries continue to take a toll on a player who has had an otherwise excellent career. He was still effective for the New York Jets last season but missed seven games. He hasn’t played a full season since 2015.
Still, like Moses, Smith is a smart veteran who could serve as a bridge left tackle for a year while the Ravens look for a long-term solution. He brings experience and pedigree, and if he can stay on the field, Baltimore would get great value in signing him.
If Stanley leaves, Baltimore will need to prioritize drafting a left tackle. However, sitting at 27th in the draft order, landing a top left tackle without trading up seems unlikely. The Ravens could opt for a developmental tackle in the later rounds while signing a veteran free agent as a stopgap. Stanley’s free agency decision will significantly impact Baltimore’s offseason plans.