NFL Insider Hints at Major Free Agency Battle for Ronnie Stanley
One team refuses to back down in its pursuit of Ronnie Stanley.
The Baltimore Ravens have a history of prioritizing their core players, consistently finding ways to retain franchise legends like Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Ed Reed, and more. As the offseason approaches, their focus shifts to their top free agent—left tackle Ronnie Stanley—who is set to hit the open market next week.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in re-signing Stanley after discussions with his agent. However, with the combine now behind them, free agency looms, and Baltimore must act quickly to secure a deal before rival teams make their move.
Patriots Emerging as a Major Contender for Stanley
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, an NFL executive at the combine revealed that the New England Patriots are positioning themselves as aggressive suitors for Stanley—should he become available. Reiss noted:
“Deciphering what’s real and what’s just speculation is an ongoing process, but the Patriots being linked to Stanley aligns with one of the key themes emphasized by head coach Mike Vrabel and executive Eliot Wolf last week.”
For New England, the pursuit of Stanley makes perfect sense. With new head coach Mike Vrabel emphasizing offensive line dominance—similar to his approach in Tennessee—and a young quarterback in Drake Maye to protect, securing a premier left tackle would be a pivotal move. The Patriots also have the most cap space in the league, giving them the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer.
Baltimore, however, understands Stanley’s importance better than anyone, especially after his standout season. Both DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have stressed that keeping him is a priority. With free agency fast approaching, the Ravens must act swiftly, as New England appears poised to make a significant push for one of the league’s top offensive linemen.
