Ravens keep top offensive lineman out of free agency with big deal

It is a big move for Stanley, the Ravens and other potential free-agent tackles that will be available starting on Monday. 

Stanley was listed as the No. 2 overall free agent available this offseason, and top offensive player, on NFL.com's list of the top 101 free agents this offseason. 

The Ravens selected Stanley in the first round (No. 6 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he has been a key part of their offensive line ever since. The one thing that has consistently held him back, however, has been injuries. 

He was finally fully healthy in 2024, appearing in all 17 regular-season games and playing at a Pro Bowl level. He was also a first-team All-Pro during the 2019 season. 

The Ravens getting him re-signed is significant news for both starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, as Stanley's ability to lock down the left side of the line was a game-changing development this past season. 

It also takes another top free agent off the board before free agency even begins. Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins were both given the franchise tag, while the Philadelphia Eagles re-signed linebacker Zack Baun. 

With Stanley now off the market, the top left tackles on the market will likely be Minnesota Vikings tackle Cam Robinson or Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Dan Moore Jr.