The Ravens have restructured Ronnie Stanley‘s contract, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The new deal will see $6.51MM of Stanley’s base salary converted into a signing bonus, freeing up $5.208MM in room for the Ravens.
Stanley signed a $99MM extension just before suffering a severe season-ending ankle injury. While subsequent deals for David Bakhtiari and Trent Williams bumped Stanley’s $19.75MM AAV to fourth among left tackles, he remains one of the NFL’s best at the position. And, at 27, Stanley figures to have several good years ahead.
Stanley was outstanding in 2019, his last healthy year, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Without him, the Ravens will turn to 2018 third-rounder Orlando Brown Jr., who had a tremendous year of his own. Brown, of course, is now with the Chiefs, leaving Stanley to man the left side with Alejandro Villanueva on the right side.
The sixth-year pro was forced to have a second ankle surgery earlier this year, but he’s been able to practice for the last three weeks. Stanley should be good to go for the Ravens’ Week 1 outing Sept. 13. But, if the Ravens need to patch up the roster elsewhere, Stanley’s restructure will give them the flexibility to do it.
Browns fan here…I wish Ronnie Stanley great health this season and beyond. I hate to see any player get hurt, whether for my team or an opponent. I hope his ankle heals up well and doesn’t hurt him too badly in his post-pro football career. Much respect to him and all linemen, offensive and defensive.