Ronnie Stanley, Brandon Stephens among Ravens’ top 10 unrestricted free agents

The 2024 NFL season is officially over and the countdown to free agency has begun. Teams can start talking to the representatives of pending free agents on March 10.

For the Baltimore Ravens, their free-agent philosophy almost certainly won’t change this offseason. They’re typically focused on re-signing their own players, adding one or two outside free agents who plug significant holes, and then waiting for the prices to fall on the open market — as they accrue compensatory selections — before making a few late and cheap additions.

Per usual, general manager Eric DeCosta will have to navigate a very tight salary-cap situation, but he could have as many as 11 draft picks at his disposal. That combination could lead to the Ravens doing fewer re-signings and instead depending on younger and cheaper players at certain spots.

This also isn’t as ballyhooed of a free-agent class as what Baltimore has had in the recent past. Last year’s group of pending free agents included Nnamdi Madubuike, Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, Kevin Zeitler, John Simpson, Kyle Van Noy, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins.

Madubuike and Queen were coming off Pro Bowl seasons, Stone led the team in interceptions, Van Noy and Clowney combined for 18 1/2 sacks, Zeitler and Simpson were starting offensive linemen, and Edwards and Dobbins were starting-caliber running backs when healthy.

This year, of the team’s pending 18 unrestricted free agents, only four were regular starters in 2024. It seems likely that more than half of the team’s free agents will have to accept modest one-year deals, whether it’s to return to Baltimore or go somewhere else.

Let’s rank the team’s top 10 unrestricted free agents in terms of the interest they could generate on the open market.

1. Ronnie Stanley, OT

A year ago, Stanley accepted a $7.5 million pay cut to remain with the Ravens. Now, he’s considered one of the top free agents in this year’s class. Stanley had a strong season, playing in every game for the first time in his career and making his second Pro Bowl. Stanley has said he wants to spend his entire career in Baltimore, but is he willing to leave money on the table for a second straight year? Stanley will turn 31 next month and has an extensive injury history that could give teams pause. However, quality left tackles are hard to find and Stanley, when healthy, is one of the better players in the league at his position.

For the Ravens, it’s an extremely tough decision. If they let him walk, they can move Roger Rosengarten to Lamar Jackson’s blindside, but they’d need to add a starting right tackle. Re-signing an older player with a detailed injury history, however, would be a gamble for a cash-strapped team.

2. Patrick Mekari, G/T

It would be quite a story if Mekari, who joined the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2019, got a third contract from the team. It’s certainly possible, too. The Ravens love Mekari, who is one of the most respected players in the locker room. A 17-game starter at guard last season, he’s versatile, tough and reliable, and having a guy who can start all five positions up front creates so many options for the coaching staff.

Still, the Ravens have a young guard in Andrew Vorhees who is an option to step in as a starter. They also figure to use a few draft picks come April on their offensive line. If the 27-year-old Mekari gets solid starting guard money — and he’s earned that — it might be tough for Baltimore to keep him.

3. Patrick Ricard, FB

Ricard fits the Ravens and what they do offensively so well. Over the past couple of summers, there’s been talk about Ricard having to potentially accept a reduced role. Then, the season starts and the Ravens are at their best with him on the field. The five-time Pro Bowler is probably the best lead blocker in football, and you can bet that Jackson and Derrick Henry want him back.

Ricard, who has played just under 40 percent of the team’s offensive snaps over the past two years, said on locker cleanout day that he doesn’t want to go anywhere else. The Ravens will probably need to pay him at or near the top of the fullback market, which is $4.55 million per year. Working in their favor is there aren’t a ton of teams who use a fullback enough to warrant that kind of financial commitment.

4. Brandon Stephens, CB

Stephens was widely viewed as Baltimore’s top pending free agent when the season began, but things didn’t go as planned for the 27-year-old. He allowed the fifth-most receptions (65) in the NFL, and quarterbacks had a 107.4 passer rating when targeting him. Stephens, who started every game, was attacked when opposing offenses needed a big play. At the team’s end-of-season news conference, DeCosta said Stephens will hit the open market, a pretty strong indication that the 2021 third-round pick won’t be back.

Despite his difficult season, Stephens should garner interest, even if it’s on a prove-it type of deal. There’s always a market for veteran corners. He’s versatile enough to play corner and safety and is an experienced special-teamer. He’s also durable and considered a good teammate. Plus, there’s plenty of tape of him looking like a solid starting cornerback. He played well in 2023.

5. Malik Harrison, LB

The 2020 third-round pick could be headed to the open market again after re-signing with the Ravens during the first week of free agency last year. Harrison is coming off arguably his best season as he started seven games and posted career highs in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. He does a little of everything for Baltimore, playing on the outside on early downs and occasionally moving inside, all while maintaining a reputation as one of the team’s most physical players.

Harrison also played the second-most special teams snaps on the Ravens. Teams love to poach from Baltimore’s defense in free agency, and Harrison should generate some interest because of his versatility alone. However, he’s one of those guys who the Ravens may value more than other teams.

6. Tre’Davious White, CB

Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams before the trade deadline in a future seventh-round pick swap, White played pretty well for the Ravens in a part-time role. The two-time Pro Bowler played just under 35 percent of Baltimore’s defensive snaps in seven games with the team.

White was once considered one of the better corners in football, but injuries have taken a toll on the 30-year-old. Still, if his limited time with the Ravens is any indication, he’s still capable of contributing as a rotational cornerback. With the potential departures of Stephens and Arthur Maulet (release candidate), the Ravens will likely be looking to add veteran cornerback depth on the cheap.

7. Tylan Wallace, WR

Like Harrison, Wallace is probably a guy who the Ravens will covet more than other teams. The reserve wideout had 11 of his 18 career catches and 193 of his 260 career receiving yards in 2024. He’s had a limited offensive role, but he’s shown an ability to make impactful plays when given the opportunity. He’s also a physical blocker on the outside, a solid special teams player and a well-liked and selfless teammate.

The 2021 fourth-round pick might want to go to a team that will give him more chances in the passing game. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens prioritized re-signing him. He’s a nice fit as a No. 4 or 5 receiver.

8. Chris Board, ILB

In his second go-around with the Ravens, Board was voted by his teammates as the special teams captain, an indication of just how much he’s respected in the locker room. He played the most special teams snaps on the team. He also held his own when pressed into action at inside linebacker after young starter Trenton Simpson was benched.

Whether it’s in Baltimore or somewhere else, there will be a place in the league for a player like Board, who has made a career because of his steady and physical special teams play. The Ravens presumably will want him back at the right price.

9. Nelson Agholor, WR

It was a quiet second season with the Ravens for Agholor, who started the season as the No. 3 receiver but finished with just 14 catches for 231 yards and two scores. Agholor had four total catches over his final eight games. He’s been a strong mentor for the young receivers on the roster and has a close relationship with Jackson. The Ravens, though, probably could upgrade and get younger at the No. 3 receiver spot.