The New England Patriots find themselves with a clear mission this offseason: bolster the front line to safeguard their promising young quarterback, Drake Maye. Concluding the season with a 4-13 record, they secured the fourth pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. While Maye offers a glimpse of a hopeful future under center, the support around him, particularly the offensive line, is desperately needed.
This year’s draft class doesn’t feature a consensus top-five offensive lineman, though names like Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks spark some intrigue. This scenario nudges the Patriots towards another viable path—exploring the free agency market for immediate reinforcements. In this landscape, one name stands out as an ideal candidate: Baltimore Ravens’ reliable anchor, Ronnie Stanley.
Stanley, finally shaking off a string of injury-riddled seasons, put in a full 17-game shift this past season. His track record includes missing chunks of time here and there, with only seven appearances across 2020 and 2021 combined. However, his latest form was encouraging. Allowing just two sacks and four hits throughout the season, Stanley demonstrated his capability. Admittedly, his 35 pressures allowed and 13 penalties are less flattering, landing him near the bottom of league rankings. Yet, his pass-blocking acumen shone through, earning a commendable 79.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, securing his place as the 21st ranked tackle.
Run-blocking might not have been his forte last season, but when it comes to giving Maye a fortress in the pocket, Stanley checks the boxes. Adding him to the Patriots’ lineup would instantly fortify the left tackle position, offering not just skill but veteran leadership. It’s a crucial piece for a team aiming to nurture their young quarterback while fostering an offensive line that can elevate everyone around them.
Financially, the Patriots have room to maneuver. With a substantial $123 million in cap space, Stanley’s projected market value of $40 million over two years fits into their budget. This flexibility allows the franchise to look into other areas like receiver or pass rusher with their draft pick, while Stanley leads the charge up front.
For New England, protecting Maye is pivotal. A strong offensive line means preventing the kind of hits that breed hesitation and fear in young quarterbacks. Ronnie Stanley presents himself as a prime candidate to not only plug a gap but also mentor and galvanize a developing front line.
Investing in Stanley requires the Patriots to spend, but history shows that rebuilding teams often need to pay a premium for proven talent. Fortunately, the Patriots aren’t bound by significant financial commitments to their own free agents, opening the door for a strategic acquisition like Stanley. With his addition, the Patriots not only safeguard their quarterback but set the stage for a revitalized offensive push in the seasons to come.
