New England Patriots Eye Ronnie Stanley for Offensive Line Upgrade
The New England Patriots are poised to make significant roster improvements this offseason, leveraging their substantial cap space of over $125 million. With the most cap space in the NFL, the Patriots are in a prime position to make impactful moves in free agency. Recent reports from MassLive’s Karen Guregian suggest that the Patriots have their sights set on a key free agent set to hit the market.
Patriots’ Plan A: Signing Ronnie Stanley
According to Guregian, the Patriots’ top priority in free agency is to secure the services of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Described as the best available free agent left tackle, Stanley, despite approaching 31 years old, is still highly regarded as one of the NFL’s top tackles. His potential addition to the Patriots’ roster could address the offensive line issues that plagued the team last season.
Offensive Line Concerns and Stanley’s Impact
During the 2024 season, the Patriots faced challenges on the offensive line, ranking among the most sacked teams in the NFL. This led to difficulties in protecting quarterback Drake Maye and establishing a consistent running game. The potential signing of Stanley, a stalwart on the Ravens’ offensive line since 2016, could provide much-needed stability and protection for the Patriots.
Stanley’s Performance and Future with the Patriots
Stanley’s impressive track record, including a strong pass block grade of 79.6 per PFF in 2024, makes him a compelling candidate to bolster the Patriots’ offensive line. While the Ravens are also keen on retaining their veteran tackle, the Patriots are poised to pursue Stanley once free agency opens. Negotiations are set to commence when free agency kicks off on March 10th.
The Patriots’ pursuit of Ronnie Stanley signifies their commitment to fortifying their offensive line and enhancing their roster for the upcoming season. Stay updated with New England Patriots on SI for the latest developments, exclusive insights, and in-depth analysis.