Left Tackle Labeled Top Offseason Priority

The offseason has begun for the Ravens and with it comes the early priority list for how the Ravens hope to return and improve for next season. Unanimously, the top concern for the team has to do with the future along their offensive line.

“If there is an area that general manager Eric DeCosta will have to solidify, it’s the offensive line. Three of the Ravens’ top six offensive linemen — starters Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari, as well as reserve Josh Jones — are free agents,” Zrebiec wrote. “The Ravens are always looking to add youth and talent to their offensive line. It feels like a must this offseason.”

More specifically, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley lists left tackle as the No. 1 priority.

“Biggest offseason priority: Figure out who’s protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson’s blind side. Ronnie Stanley, who has started 103 games at left tackle for the Ravens, is scheduled to be a free agent,” Hensley wrote.” Baltimore has to decide whether it wants to re-sign the 30-year-old or go younger at that spot. The Ravens are throwing the ball more, which means his pass protection could be more of an asset. But Jackson’s ability to elude the pass rush could allow the Ravens to go with a less expensive option.”

Re-signing Ronnie Stanley may not be an easy deal. Currently, according to overthecap.com, the Ravens possess $17 million in cap space (before any offseason moves). ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes the going price for tackles of quality below Stanley’s is well above that.

“Stanley will be hard to re-sign. He has had a resurgent season and lesser tackles are getting $20 million or more per year,” Fowler wrote. “Plus, the Ravens traditionally haven’t been afraid to go young along their offensive line. This could be it after nine seasons in Baltimore.”