The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to acquire the Baltimore Ravens’ $112 million All-Pro offensive mainstay.
The Baltimore Ravens have found a way to make it to the playoffs in six out of the last seven seasons with Lamar Jackson as their QB.
While there’s a narrative that Jackson and the Ravens can’t get over the hump in the AFC and make it to the Super Bowl, there’s no denying the consistency and standard John Harbaugh has set in Baltimore.
Sure, Jackson — who already has two NFL MVP awards and is a strong candidate to win his third after putting up ridiculous numbers in 2024 — would take his greatness to the next level by winning a Lombardi trophy but he plays in an AFC that has Joe Burrow, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. So far, only Burrow has been able to get past Mahomes and make it to the big game.
But there’s no doubt the Baltimore Ravens will be in the thick of the AFC playoff race again next season, with the bulk of the 2024 roster returning to run it back for 2025.
While the Ravens young defense showed massive improvement throughout the year, their offense was their strong suit and it isn’t even close. Todd Monken — who just got a contract extension to remain with the Ravens as the OC —had both Jackson and Derrick Henry to utilize in game plans on a weekly basis. So defensive coordinators not only had to account for both elite runners to break away on a hug rushing play at any moment, but also account for Jackson finding Zay Flowers, who emerged as a true No. 1 WR and earned Pro Bowl honors.
Add on the tight end duo of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, it’s clear to see why Baltimore had the No.1 offense in the NFL, putting up nearly 425 yards per game against their opponents.
But the success of Jackson and Henry in the rushing game couldn’t happen without a strong offensive line. Ronnie Stanley — who has earned All-Pro honors and two trips to the Pro Bowl — has been the anchor at left tackle since 2016, with 2020 and 2021 being the only exception due to injury. In 2020, the Ravens gave Stanley a five-year extension worth $112.8 million, which means he’s set to be a free agent heading into 2025.
While the Ravens will likely due everything in their power to keep Stanley, they don’t have much cap space due to Jackson’s contract and other players eating up space on the books for 2025.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Dallas Cowboys will make a run to sign the elite left tackle this offseason: