Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in the final year of his rookie contract — a fifth-year option Baltimore used due to his first-round draft status. While the Ravens would surely like to get a long-term contract sorted out, Stanley isn’t in any rush.
“I’m comfortable with where we are in that regard,” Stanley said in a video conference with reporters. “When the time comes, it’ll come.”
Stanley is set to make a fully guaranteed $12.866 million in 2020 under the fifth-year option. While that might sound like a lot, it’s a fraction of what Stanley would undoubtedly earn with a new contract. As arguably the best left tackle in the NFL, Stanley has a strong case for being paid like one. With the Houston Texans giving tackle Laremy Tunsil a record-setting $22 million per season, Stanley is in line for a massive payday, whether it comes from the Ravens or elsewhere.
Stanley earned his first All-Pro and Pro-Bowl nod last season after being a force in Baltimore’s offense. Stanley allowed no sacks and his six pressures put him alongside fellow Ravens left tackle and Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden.
Baltimore has been in talks with Stanley this offseason to work out an extension. However, the two sides clearly haven’t been able to come together on the details to get something signed. Where other players have made a push to get a deal inked before the regular season, Stanley is fine with letting the process take its course.
“I’m in no rush when it comes to that right now, and I’m not really worried about it, per se. So, that’s just my mentality towards it at the moment.”
It’s been pretty rare for the Ravens to let one of their top players leave in free agency. And while Baltimore will surely get a deal done at some point, Stanley’s patience might put the Ravens up against the wall if it lasts until next offseason.
