If there was one external free agent you could pick for the Washington Commanders in 2025, who would it be?
Most fans would say Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, and that would be an excellent choice. However, the correct answer would be Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
A 2016 first-round pick, Stanley has played all nine NFL seasons in Baltimore. Players of his caliber, especially offensive tackles, rarely make it to unrestricted free agency. There are some red flags with Stanley. He’ll be 31 next month and has previously dealt with injuries.
The good news is Stanley started all 17 games in 2024.
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team recently predicted multiple “mega contracts” this offseason, with three teams potentially interested in each free agent.
Mosher projects Stanley will earn a two-year deal worth $42 million and names the Commanders, Steelers, and Dolphins as potentially interested teams.
There are several starting tackles available in free agency, but most of them are well past their primes or have significant injury concerns. Ronnie Stanley is clearly the best tackle on the market, and the fact that he’s started 34 games (including playoffs) in the last two seasons has quieted some of the injury concerns that haunted him early in his career.
The injury history could force Stanley to take a shorter deal, but he still should earn a nice payday in free agency. The Ravens would be smart to bring him back, but they might not have the cap space to get it done. Expect a half-dozen teams or more to be in on Stanley once the free-agent window opens up.
If Stanley hits the open market, he should be an absolute priority for Washington. Signing him would give the Commanders a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle coming off an excellent season. He would also allow Washington to move rookie Brandon Coleman to either right tackle or inside at guard. That would improve two positions with one signing. Additionally, investing in a quality tackle to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels would be a wise move.
Stanley is clearly the best offensive tackle in free agency, and the Ravens will make every attempt to retain him. If they can’t, Washington could be in a bidding war for his services.