With the 2025 offseason officially underway, the Baltimore Ravens face critical decisions on several key free agents who helped power their dominant regular season and deep playoff run. As General Manager Eric DeCosta looks to balance financial flexibility with roster continuity, here’s a breakdown of the biggest names hitting free agency and their potential future in Baltimore.
Age: 31 (in March)
2024 Stats: 17 starts, Pro Bowl alternate, elite pass-blocking grade (PFF)
After years of injury setbacks, Ronnie Stanley bounced back in a big way, starting every game and proving once again that he’s one of the league’s best offensive tackles. His return to form helped Baltimore’s offensive line power a record-setting offense and gave Lamar Jackson the protection he needed.
But now, the Ravens face a tough decision.
🔹 Why Baltimore Should Keep Him:
✅ Elite Pass Protector – When healthy, Stanley is still a top-tier left tackle.
✅ Loyal to Baltimore – Stanley has spent his entire career with the Ravens and thrives in their system.
✅ Chemistry with Jackson & Henry – His blocking played a huge role in Derrick Henry’s near-2,000-yard season.
🔹 Why Baltimore Might Move On:
❌ Age & Injury History – After years of battling ankle issues, the Ravens may be hesitant to invest long-term.
❌ Potential Big Price Tag – If another team overpays for a veteran left tackle, Baltimore may look to the draft or younger options.
💡 Prediction: If Stanley is willing to take a team-friendly deal, expect the Ravens to bring him back. If his price tag soars, Baltimore may opt to move forward with a younger tackle.
Age: 31
2024 Stats: Key lead blocker for Derrick Henry’s 1,921-yard season, 5th Pro Bowl selection
Patrick Ricard isn’t just a fullback—he’s a culture-setter for Baltimore’s offense. Even in Todd Monken’s more pass-heavy system, Ricard’s physicality was a game-changer, opening lanes for Derrick Henry’s near-historic season and setting the tone for Baltimore’s power running attack.
🔹 Why Baltimore Should Keep Him:
✅ Elite Blocking – Ricard remains the best lead-blocking fullback in the league.
✅ Locker Room Leader – He’s been a Raven since 2017 and is a fan favorite.
✅ Wants to Stay – Ricard has publicly said he wants to retire in Baltimore.
🔹 Why Baltimore Might Move On:
❌ Age & Durability – At 31, how much longer can he sustain his highly physical style?
❌ Evolution of the Offense – If Baltimore shifts away from power running, does Ricard still fit?
💡 Prediction: Unless the Ravens plan to phase out a fullback-heavy system, expect Ricard to re-sign. He may even take a slight hometown discount to finish his career in Baltimore.
Age: 27
2024 Stats: Most-targeted CB in the NFL, 4th-most receptions allowed, but strong tackling and versatility
Brandon Stephens has been a full-time starting cornerback for two seasons, playing a physical, tough-nosed style. However, no cornerback was targeted more over the past two years, and while he often played tight coverage, opposing quarterbacks frequently tested him—and succeeded.
🔹 Why Baltimore Should Keep Him:
✅ Durable & Versatile – Has played outside corner, nickel, and even safety.
✅ High Effort, Toughness – A physical presence in the secondary.
✅ Affordable Depth Option – May be cheaper than re-signing trade acquisition Tre’Davious White.
🔹 Why Baltimore Might Move On:
❌ Gives Up Too Many Catches – 4th-most receptions allowed in 2024, per PFF.
❌ Defensive Scheme Fit – If the Ravens want a true shutdown CB, they may look elsewhere.
❌ Tre’Davious White Decision – If Baltimore re-signs White, it’s unlikely they also keep Stephens.
💡 Prediction: If the market for Stephens is low, Baltimore may keep him on a short-term deal. But if he commands starter-level money elsewhere, the Ravens will let him walk and focus on younger defensive backs.
Age: 28
2024 Stats: 17 starts (3 at RT, 14 at LG), high pass-blocking efficiency, elite versatility
Patrick Mekari has been one of Baltimore’s most valuable depth pieces, but in 2024, he proved himself as a legitimate starting-caliber lineman. He played both tackle and guard, helping the Ravens’ offensive line dominate despite injuries.
🔹 Why Baltimore Should Keep Him:
✅ Versatility – Can play every position on the offensive line.
✅ Proven Starter – Excelled as a full-time starter in 2024.
✅ Depth Concerns – If Baltimore loses Stanley or other linemen, Mekari provides insurance.
🔹 Why Baltimore Might Move On:
❌ Wants a Guaranteed Starting Job – Mekari may seek a team where he can be a locked-in starter, rather than a rotational piece.
❌ Baltimore Has Young Linemen – The Ravens have been grooming Andrew Vorhees and others to step up.
💡 Prediction: The Ravens want Mekari back, but the question is whether he’ll accept a flex role again. If another team offers him a starting job, he may leave for a full-time opportunity.
| Player | Position | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Stanley | LT | 🔄 50/50 – Depends on contract demands |
| Patrick Ricard | FB | ✅ Likely Re-Signs (Wants to Retire in Baltimore) |
| Brandon Stephens | CB | ❌ Likely Leaves (If Baltimore keeps Tre’Davious White) |
| Patrick Mekari | OL | 🔄 50/50 – May leave if offered a full-time starting job |
🔹 Does Baltimore pay to keep Stanley, or draft his replacement?
🔹 Will Ricard’s fullback role remain essential in Monken’s offense?
🔹 Can the Ravens afford both Stephens and Tre’Davious White?
🔹 Will Mekari take a depth role, or seek a locked-in starter job?
With cap space at a premium, expect Eric DeCosta to prioritize core pieces while looking for younger, more affordable options in free agency and the draft.
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