NFL Free Agency 2021: 5 best players who could hit the open market

4. Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle

Lamar Jackson is a magician when it comes to avoiding oncoming tacklers, but that doesn’t mean the Ravens don’t want to afford him great protection. That’s why the presence of left tackle Ronnie Stanley is vital to Baltimore’s future as Super Bowl contenders.

That doesn’t mean retaining him is going to be easy. Smart teams don’t allow left tackles in their prime to leave. The Ravens will do everything in their power to retain Stanley via a long-term contract extension.

If he does somehow hit the open market, he’s going to get double-digit mammoth offers. Teams will line up to sign a 27-year-old left tackle who was an All-Pro in 2019. Stanley may not be the best left tackle in football, but he’s close enough to make a positive improvement to almost every offensive line in football.

Stanley may be most valuable to the Ravens though. His ability to serve as a high-level pass blocker and run blocker from the left tackle position is integral to their offensive scheme. Replacing him wouldn’t just be difficult, it would be impossible.

Look for Stanley to sign a mammoth deal to stay in Baltimore. If those negotiations break down, he could easily become the most coveted free agent on the market next offseason.