On Tuesday, reports started circulating that the Baltimore Ravens picked up former first-round selection, left tackle, Ronnie Stanley’s fifth-year option. ESPN’s Field Yates was the first to report it in the early morning. The Ravens later confirmed the move through their social media platforms and website.
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley with the sixth pick in 2016 with the hopes that he would anchor the offensive line. In his three years with the Baltimore Ravens, Stanley has played well but has also sustained multiple injuries which have hindered his production on the field. The Ravens, though, believe that Stanley is one of the best tackles in the league when healthy. By picking up his fifth-year option, Baltimore will have Stanley under contract through 2020.
Stanley was set to finish out his rookie contract in 2019. He was and still is scheduled to make $6,517,744 in his fourth year, and will see a significant increase in salary in his fifth. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Stanley will make about $13 million in 2020.
Baltimore’s goal will be to lock Stanley down to a long term contract before he hits free agency in 2021. General Manager Eric DeCosta made it clear that he wants to keep talented young players in Baltimore. Despite his intentions, he was not able to do so this offseason. The Ravens lost C.J. Mosley, Za’Darius Smith, John Brown, and even the aged Terrell Suggs.
DeCosta extended the contract of slot cornerback Tavon Young this past offseason in a move that will likely serve as a precedent in the coming years. By extending Young early, DeCosta ensured that he would not be able to test the market when his value could be high. The long term contract provides Young the stability most players seek from NFL clubs but also allows the Ravens to keep a young and talented player in Baltimore.
