It’s fair to say the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to trade away right tackle Morgan Moses and keep Ronnie Stanley firmly entrenched at left tackle was a bit of a surprise, as Stanley’s injury history and expensive contract made him a prime candidate to be cut loose ahead of the 2024 season.
Instead, Baltimore held on to him via a pay cut, banking on a year where he could stay healthy and get back to his old form. In a division that features Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and Trey Hendrickson, Stanley faltering could have some catastrophic consequences for this offense.
Stanley is doing everything he can to recapture the glory days, as he is getting in the best physical shape he has been in since his 2020 peak. If Stanley is on the comeback trail, the Ravens’ fears about their offensive line could fade away.
“I feel great. I feel like I’m as strong and as quick and as athletic as I’ve ever been. So, I’m ready to put that all on the field,” Stanley said. A bounce-back year from him would do wonders for a young offensive line in need of a star like him to provide some veteran moxie and leadership.
Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley eyeing comeback season after poor 2023
Stanley is capable of being a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player when he is healthy, but his body failing him has made it next to impossible for him to reach that same level of peak performance. Since his All-Pro season in 2020, Stanley has suited up in just 31 games in four seasons, suffering major injuries along the way.
Stanley’s 2023 performance was unbecoming of a player with his pedigree. Not only was he letting some of the better pass rushers in the league blow by him, but he committed a concerning 12 penalties in 13 games. The Ravens simply can’t afford for him to be anything less than exceptional.
Baltimore has just two positions on the offensive line set in stone as minicamp gets underway, as Stanley is the unquestioned starting left tackle while Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum returns to his familiar spot. Names like Andrew Vorhees and rookie Roger Rosengarten may go through growing pains as a rookie, making Stanley more important.
Stanley is on his last chance in Baltimore, as the Ravens would not be faulted for one second if they get rid of him following another poor 2024 season. Luckily for them, a motivated Stanley seems to be inviting the pressure and facing it head-on.