Ronnie Stanley says he was happy to give Ravens ‘bargain’ on deal.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Ronnie Stanley, widely regarded as the top offensive tackle available this offseason, opted to remain with the Baltimore Ravens instead of exploring free agency. On March 8, he signed a team-friendly three-year, $60 million contract rather than testing the market.

Explaining his decision on Monday, Stanley emphasized loyalty as a key factor.

“I knew I was going to give Baltimore the best deal I’d offer any team,” Stanley said. “At the same time, I wanted to ensure I was happy with my compensation and felt valued. I think we struck a good balance that helps the team while keeping me satisfied.”

Had he entered free agency, Stanley was expected to draw interest from teams like the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders. Instead, he secured a deal averaging $20 million per season, ranking 10th among left tackles just behind Dan Moore Jr., who signed a four-year, $82 million contract at the start of free agency.

Now heading into his 10th season, Stanley has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offensive line since being selected sixth overall in the 2016 draft. The Ravens chose him over Laremy Tunsil, who was widely projected as the top tackle that year.

In 2020, Stanley signed a five-year, $98.75 million extension, making him the second-highest-paid tackle in the league. However, after injuries hampered his availability, he took a 50% pay cut last season, reducing his salary by $7.5 million.

Coming off a Pro Bowl campaign in 2024, Stanley could have tested the open market but instead worked with Baltimore’s cap situation to finalize a deal before free agency began.

“They took a chance on me straight out of college, and I’ll always give them the first shot when it comes to these decisions,” Stanley said.

At 30, Stanley is a two-time Pro Bowler and the Ravens’ first All-Pro left tackle since Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden. This past season, he played every game for the first time in his career, ranking 12th in pass block win rate (92.5%) while protecting Lamar Jackson’s blind side.

Reflecting on Baltimore’s 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round, Stanley admitted the defeat still lingers.

“That’s the kind of game that sticks with you for a long time maybe even a lifetime,” he said. “We’ve broken records over the years, but honestly, we don’t care about that. The only thing that matters is winning a Super Bowl. We have unfinished business.”