The New England Patriots have money to burn, and one report indicates they could target impending free agent offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Stanley could be the best player to reach the open market, as Tee Higgins and Trey Smith received the franchise tag. A two-time Pro Bowler, Stanley never recaptured his 2019 All-Pro level of play but remains an above-average starter in a league where quality tackle play is difficult to find.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots will “aggressively pursue” Ronnie Stanley if he becomes a free agent. This report makes sense, as the Patriots desperately need to build something around franchise quarterback Drake Maye. The UNC product did a remarkable job as a rookie, putting up solid tape despite playing with the league’s worst combination of blocking, pass-catchers, and coaching.
REPORT: Patriots Will Target Ravens Free Agent Ronnie Stanley
The quarterback is the most important position in football, so there’s a case to be made that the player protecting him is the second-most important guy on the team. Last year, New England primarily entrusted Maye’s well-being to Vederian Lowe, who ranked 69th out of 81 eligible players in PFF grade – and that was easily the best season of his career. No quarterback can survive in this environment, and the Patriots could use some of their league-leading $127 million in cap space to acquire a proper left tackle.
While New England has the most cap space in the league, they won’t be the only teams interested in signing Ronnie Stanley as a free agent. Several teams could use a proper upgrade at left tackle, and these three organizations could steal the former All-Pro from the Baltimore Ravens.
Other Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need a proper left tackle. After second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia failed as a rookie, the team had no choice but to move All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the blindside down the stretch. While he helped stabilize the offensive line for a while, Philadelphia took advantage of him in the Super Bowl. Thuney did the best he could, but this team needs a proper tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs will need to get creative to make the money work, but Stanley could be a perfect fit for this team.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals spent big on Orlando Brown in 2023, and they’re probably regretting that decision. The former Chief has been one of the league’s worst starters since joining the Bengals and has not come close to justifying his massive contract. Cincinnati can save $7.26 million by designating him a post-June 1st cut, and they could use that savings to pursue Ronnie Stanley as a free agent.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dan Moore is not the worst left tackle in football, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Whether it’s Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or some other veteran quarterback, the Steelers will need to provide some type of support system for their next passer. While the defense can win low-scoring games, Pittsburgh’s offense must hold up their end of the bargain to finally win a playoff game. Ronnie Stanley is a considerable upgrade and the Steelers could use the free agent whichever adequate but not great option lines up under center in 2025.
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