BALTIMORE RAVENS
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens shake up AFC power balance: Chiefs and Bills on high alert after major g

Baltimore has signed one of its most coveted free agents off the market.

Lamar Jackson will have one of his most trusted bodyguards back.
Lamar Jackson will have one of his most trusted bodyguards back.LAPRESSE

The Baltimore Ravens just sent a warning shot to the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills-this team is coming for the AFC throne. While much of the focus has been on Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen's quest for dominance, the Ravens are quietly solidifying their powerhouse roster, making them an even bigger threat in 2025.

The team's latest move? Locking down one of the most important pieces of their offense. Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley is staying in Baltimore, agreeing to a three-year, $60 million contract with a massive $44 million guaranteed, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

The Ravens wasted no time in securing their anchor on the offensive line, removing the top available tackle from free agency in the process.Stanley, a former sixth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has had an up-and-down journey with the Ravens.

Stanley finally returned from injuries

At his peak, Stanley was an All-Pro protector, but injuries derailed his career for several seasons. After g a $112 million contract extension in 2020, he suffered a devastating ankle injury just two days later. That setback limited him to only one game in 2021, 11 games in 2022, and 13 in 2023.

However, last season proved that he still has what it takes to be an elite left tackle. His blocking played a crucial role in Baltimore leading the NFL in both net yards per attempt and rushing yards per attempt.

With him healthy and back in the mix, Lamar Jackson's blindside is as secure as ever-bad news for AFC contenders hoping to exploit weaknesses in Baltimore's protection.

Market options are running out

Stanley's return also sends shockwaves through the free agency market. With the Ravens taking him off the board, teams desperate for offensive line help will have to settle for second-tier options.

The top names remaining include Cam Robinson (Minnesota Vikings), Dan Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jaylon Moore (San Francisco 49ers), Tyron Smith, and Morgan Moses (New York Jets).

For the Chiefs and Bills, this move is a clear message: the Ravens aren't just contenders-they're coming for the AFC title.

Buffalo BillsArmani Rogers Injury Update: Buffalo Bills' TE suffers another Achilles tear, season in jeopardy
Kansas City ChiefsTavia Hunt's Power Play: The woman behind the Kansas City Chiefs' off-field impact
Kansas City ChiefsXavier Worthy faces up to 10 years in prison: What are the charges against the Chiefs star?