Media Reactions to Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley Deal: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Baltimore Ravens made a significant move in 2020, extending the contract of left tackle Ronnie Stanley with a five-year deal worth $98.75 million, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the history of the NFL at the time. This decision has drawn a wide array of reactions from across the media landscape, ranging from excitement and praise to skepticism and concern. As one of the league’s top left tackles, Stanley’s new deal represents more than just financial commitment; it highlights the Ravens’ larger strategy to solidify their future as contenders and protect their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

The Deal Breakdown

Stanley’s extension was a major milestone for both the player and the team. The deal came with $70.5 million in guaranteed money, a reflection of his importance to the Ravens’ offensive line and the franchise’s belief in his long-term value. When looking at Stanley’s role within the offense, the importance of having a reliable left tackle cannot be understated. As the protector of Jackson’s blindside, Stanley is crucial to the Ravens’ success, especially given the offense’s reliance on the quarterback’s ability to create plays both through the air and on the ground.

At the time of signing, Stanley had already established himself as one of the best left tackles in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 2019 and earning first-team All-Pro honors that same season. His dominance in pass protection and ability to open lanes in the running game were factors that made this investment seem worthwhile.

Praise for the Ravens: A Step in the Right Direction

Many media outlets lauded the Ravens for making such a bold move. On the surface, the extension was a clear indication of the team’s commitment to Lamar Jackson, their dynamic quarterback. Protecting Jackson, who relies heavily on his mobility and ability to make plays on the move, is vital to the Ravens’ offensive scheme. Without a solid offensive line, Jackson’s talents could be wasted, or worse, he could be exposed to injury.

“The Ravens are sending a strong message with this move,” wrote ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “Not only are they rewarding one of the best left tackles in the league, but they are also showing Lamar Jackson that they are committed to building around him with long-term stability.” This sentiment was echoed across several platforms, with analysts emphasizing the strategic importance of locking up Stanley.

Former NFL player and analyst Brian Baldinger also praised the Ravens’ decision, noting that Stanley’s skill set made him indispensable. “The Ravens have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, and you need to protect that asset. Stanley is the type of player who can keep a quarterback like Lamar Jackson clean, which is a critical part of their success going forward,” Baldinger explained.

For a franchise that has had a rich history of great defensive units, including the legendary Ray Lewis-led defenses, the focus now seemed to shift toward building a solid, championship-caliber offense. And much of that starts with the offensive line, where Stanley is a cornerstone.

Concerns and Criticism: A Risky Move?

While the majority of media reactions were positive, there were some notable concerns voiced by a segment of analysts and fans. For one, the timing of the deal raised eyebrows. Stanley’s injury history, particularly a serious ankle injury in the 2020 season that required surgery and caused him to miss several games, became a talking point.

Some analysts, such as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, expressed caution regarding the decision. “Stanley is undoubtedly a talented player, but a long-term commitment to a position that doesn’t always get the same recognition as quarterback or edge rusher is always a risk,” Florio stated. “What happens if Stanley doesn’t return to the form we saw in 2019? The Ravens have essentially tied themselves to a player whose health can’t be guaranteed.”

This viewpoint highlighted the broader discussion about long-term deals for offensive linemen. While it’s universally understood that elite offensive line play is crucial for a team’s success, the physical demands of the position, combined with the relatively short shelf life of most offensive linemen, made the deal a bit risky in some eyes.

The injury question was perhaps the biggest concern surrounding the contract. Stanley had previously dealt with minor injuries, but the severity of his 2020 ankle injury led some pundits to wonder whether the Ravens were overcommitting to a player who may struggle to stay healthy. Despite these concerns, the Ravens were confident that Stanley could return to form, and his subsequent recovery seemed to justify their faith in him.

The Contract’s Impact on Lamar Jackson’s Future

Another key aspect of media coverage surrounding Stanley’s deal was the broader implication for Lamar Jackson’s future with the team. The Ravens’ commitment to Stanley signaled that they were serious about surrounding Jackson with the best possible offensive line, a move that could keep Jackson healthy and effective for years to come.

“The Ravens are making sure that Lamar Jackson isn’t going to go down the path of being a quarterback who gets injured too often,” wrote The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. “In many ways, this deal for Stanley is a deal for Jackson’s long-term health and success.” Jackson’s ability to evade pressure and escape the pocket is one of his defining features, but having a solid offensive line ensures he can be more strategic in his movements, instead of constantly having to dodge would-be tacklers.

The deal also signaled that the Ravens were ready to continue building around Jackson, especially with the potential for a contract extension in the near future. Many speculated that this extension for Stanley was a step toward retaining Jackson long-term, as the Ravens would need to ensure their MVP-winning quarterback felt secure and supported.

Financial Context: Is Stanley Worth the Money?

Another interesting angle explored by media outlets was the financial context of Stanley’s deal. The Ravens have long been considered a well-run, salary cap-conscious team, and this deal put them in a situation where they would need to manage cap space carefully moving forward. While paying top dollar for an offensive lineman seemed like a wise decision, some questioned whether this would impact the team’s ability to sign other key pieces in the future, especially as Jackson’s own contract extension loomed large.

“The Ravens are always mindful of the cap, but committing so much money to one player does limit your flexibility,” wrote NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Stanley is a great player, but with Lamar Jackson up for a big payday soon, they may need to make some difficult decisions down the road.”

At the same time, the Ravens were still reaping the rewards of their smart, balanced approach to free agency, draft, and salary cap management, which had allowed them to assemble a strong roster around Jackson. It would be interesting to see how they navigated the salary cap in the coming seasons, particularly with the looming financial obligations tied to Jackson.

 A Solid Move with Future Implications

Ultimately, the media reactions to Ronnie Stanley’s contract extension were largely positive, with most analysts praising the Ravens for making a necessary investment in one of the league’s top left tackles. Protecting Lamar Jackson, and ensuring the offensive line remains strong, was seen as a wise move for the future of the franchise. While there were some concerns about Stanley’s injury history and the potential salary cap implications, the consensus was that this was a deal that had the potential to pay long-term dividends.

In the end, the Ravens had taken a calculated risk, and only time would tell if it would prove to be the right move. However, for now, the message was clear: the Ravens were all-in on supporting their star quarterback and building a championship contender for years to come.