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NFL analyst offers strong offseason grade for Ravens, citing key value contract as pivotal move in Baltimore’s push for a Super Bowl

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 11:19 AM ET

The NFL's dead period is creeping to a close. Within two weeks, we will have every team's veterans back in-house for the start of their respective training camps.

It's an exciting time to take one last deep breath before the marathon kicks off. It is also a terrific time to reflect back on the offseason and the moves teams across the league have made to get better. ESPN's Seth Walder has done exactly that, grading all 32 teams and their offseason moves — the good news for the Baltimore Ravens is he's offered a complementary review of what the Ravens have done.

Walder graded the Ravens offseason as a 'B+' and highlighted what could end up being one of the best value moves of the entire offseason as the team's biggest move.

Ronnie Stanley's contract extension shining already

Walder's best and most significant move for the Ravens was the extension of tackle Ronnie Stanley. The move, which happened as free agency crept up on the calendar, kept Stanley in place as a centerpiece of the line. It was considered a win for a number of reasons, which Walder highlights in his grading of the Ravens' offseason.

"Baltimore's best and most significant move, re-signing Stanley to a three-year, $60 million contract, came before the 2025 league year began. It was hardly a risk-free choice...but re-signing Stanley was critical because of the lack of alternatives. The next best available free agent tackle was probably Dan Moore Jr., who offers a bit less certainty than Stanley (and I'm a Moore fan!). Moore signed with the Titans for basically the same terms as Stanley. The Chiefs had to resort to a combination of Jaylon Moore and first-rounder Josh Simmons to fill their tackle hole.

Given the Ravens' status as a leading Super Bowl contender, left tackle was no place to take a risk. And they didn't have to pay a premium! Stanley's $20 million per year ($44 million fully guaranteed) is a long way from the top of the tackle market."

- Seth Walder on Baltimore's extension of Ronnie Stanley

Stanley's open-market rate almost certainly would have skyrocketed because, as Walder points out, the tackle market options were dire. You also had an AFC rival in the Kansas City Chiefs who were licking their wounds after getting smoked up front by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. You also had teams like the New England Patriots, who had a need at tackle, ready to throw crazy money at free agents.

Getting Stanley back at a $20 million per year rate just before free agency only to see Dan Moore Jr. get the same annual average from Tennessee should tell you everything you need to know about how much value it presents for Baltimore. The Ravens will, of course, need Stanley to stay healthy this season to maximize the value — but in the meantime this very clearly stands out as a value win for Baltimore as they try to keep this core together and make the most of their current Super Bowl window.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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