Ronnie Stanley’s 2024 Comeback Season Proved He Still Belongs Among the NFL’s Elite Offensive Tackles When Healthy and Locked In
For Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, the 2024 season wasn’t just a return to form—it was a reintroduction to the NFL world that once regarded him as one of the best in the business. After years of battling injuries and inconsistency, Stanley answered all doubts with a powerful campaign that served as a reminder of his Pro Bowl-caliber talent and elite-level impact. The 2024 season marked more than just a bounce back—it was a renaissance that reshaped how fans, teammates, and analysts view his future with the Ravens.
Stanley had struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons following a devastating ankle injury suffered in 2020. That injury, followed by multiple surgeries and setbacks, significantly hampered his availability and effectiveness. Inconsistent performances, missed games, and questions about his durability cast doubt on whether he could ever return to his pre-injury level, when he was considered a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line and one of the best blindside protectors in the game.
But in 2024, Stanley stayed healthy for the first time in years, playing in 16 of 17 regular season games and all of the Ravens’ playoff contests. More importantly, he played at a high level—anchoring an offensive line that allowed quarterback Lamar Jackson to thrive and helped power one of the NFL’s most balanced offenses. With Stanley healthy and dominant on the edge, Baltimore returned to the top of the AFC North and once again became a serious Super Bowl contender.
Stanley’s resurgence was not simply a matter of physical health, though that certainly played a major role. For the first time since his injury, he was able to complete a full offseason program, training camp, and preseason slate without any major setbacks. That continuity allowed him to rebuild his strength, confidence, and timing—all essential elements for a tackle in the NFL, particularly one charged with protecting the league’s reigning MVP.
From Week 1, Stanley looked different. His footwork was sharper, his hand placement was cleaner, and he displayed the patience and control that made him a first-round pick out of Notre Dame back in 2016. He consistently held his own against some of the league’s best pass rushers, including T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Trey Hendrickson—all AFC North rivals. And while those matchups weren’t flawless, Stanley held up admirably, often forcing opposing defensive coordinators to adjust and send pressure from other areas.
Perhaps most impressively, Stanley did not allow a single sack in the final eight games of the regular season. His chemistry with left guard John Simpson and center Tyler Linderbaum solidified the left side of the Ravens’ line, giving Jackson both time to throw and open lanes to extend plays with his legs. The Ravens finished top five in rushing yards once again, and Stanley’s ability to reach the second level and seal the edge was a major part of that success.
Off the field, Stanley emerged as a leader. Always known for his quiet confidence and professionalism, he took on a larger role mentoring younger linemen like Daniel Faalele and rookie Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. His film study habits, attention to detail, and focus during meetings were frequently praised by offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The coaching staff credited Stanley for helping create a more disciplined, focused offensive line room.
In the locker room, his comeback journey became a source of inspiration. After years of grueling rehab, criticism, and self-doubt, Stanley’s perseverance paid off. He spoke openly about the mental toll of dealing with repeated setbacks and how he had to rediscover his love for the game. That vulnerability resonated with his teammates, many of whom rallied around him during the season. Jackson often mentioned Stanley as one of the unsung heroes behind the team’s success.
While much of the national spotlight in 2024 focused on Jackson’s second MVP season, the emergence of Zay Flowers as a top target, and the Ravens’ aggressive defense under Mike Macdonald, Stanley’s steady dominance at left tackle quietly underpinned it all. His play gave the offense the freedom to explore deeper routes, zone reads, and bootlegs—schemes that require trust in protection and athleticism on the edge.
Pro Football Focus graded Stanley as one of the top ten tackles in the NFL for the year, citing his elite pass-blocking efficiency and significant reduction in penalties. In a league where the tackle position is more valuable than ever—especially with the rise of edge rushers like Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and Maxx Crosby—Stanley’s return to form was a massive win for Baltimore.
The timing of Stanley’s comeback also carried long-term implications. Entering the season, there were whispers that 2024 might be his final year in Baltimore due to his cap hit and declining availability. Some speculated he might be a candidate for a post-June 1 cut or offseason trade. But Stanley’s performance effectively silenced those conversations. Instead, the narrative shifted to how the Ravens can extend or restructure his contract to keep him in Baltimore through the remainder of his prime.
General manager Eric DeCosta called Stanley’s season “one of the most meaningful stories of 2024” and emphasized the front office’s belief in him moving forward. “Ronnie showed us all what toughness, professionalism, and belief can do,” DeCosta said in a January press conference. “He anchored our offensive line and proved that when healthy, he’s still one of the best left tackles in the league.”
For Stanley himself, the season was deeply personal. After the Ravens’ playoff run ended in the AFC Championship Game, he spoke with emotional gratitude during locker cleanout day. “This year was about proving something to myself. I knew I could get back here. It took time, but I never gave up,” he said. “To be out there with my guys, playing at a high level again—it meant everything.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ravens are expected to remain among the AFC’s elite. With Stanley healthy, the offensive line returns as one of the league’s most cohesive units. Baltimore will likely address depth through the draft or free agency, but Stanley’s presence provides a strong foundation. He also sets the tone for accountability and resilience, two traits that have defined the Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh.
Stanley’s renaissance season also holds broader implications for how teams handle long-term injuries in the NFL. Too often, fans and analysts are quick to label injured players as liabilities or assume their best years are behind them. Stanley’s journey is a reminder that with proper medical care, mental strength, and organizational support, comebacks are possible—even after multiple surgeries and years of uncertainty.
In an era where offensive linemen rarely receive headlines unless they miss blocks or commit penalties, Stanley’s story deserves recognition. It’s a testament to perseverance, patience, and pride in craft. Few players face the pressure that comes with being a former first-round pick tasked with protecting an MVP quarterback. Fewer still battle through years of injuries and return stronger than before.
The 2024 season didn’t just revive Stanley’s career—it rewrote it. At 30 years old, he is now viewed not as a fading veteran but as a leader, mentor, and elite player capable of anchoring a championship-caliber offensive line. His comeback adds a rich new chapter to his legacy, both in Baltimore and across the league.
And if 2024 was any indication, the best may still be yet to come.
