Chiefs Eye Ronnie Stanley After Trading Joe Thuney to Bears

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly targeting Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley as a key free agent after trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears on Wednesday. The move, aimed at creating cap space, comes in light of the Chiefs’ need to strengthen their offensive line after a disappointing performance in Super Bowl 59 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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The trade of Thuney, which frees up $16 million, opens the door for the Chiefs to pursue Stanley, who is considered one of the top left tackles available this offseason. Sources indicate that the Chiefs plan to make a strong push for Stanley once free agency begins on March 12.

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“When free agency begins, the Chiefs will target Ronnie Stanley, the nine-year veteran who is the best left tackle available on the market, according to sources,” The Athletic‘s Nate Taylor reported on KFNZ-FM. “Stanley’s experience and value, in both the run and pass game when healthy, are why the Chiefs believe he can be a major upgrade at the position.”

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Stanley, who has battled injuries in recent years, started all 17 games for the Ravens last season and was selected to the Pro Bowl for his performance. His ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ blind side has made him a priority for Kansas City as they look to solidify their offensive line.

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Former Kansas City quarterback Chase Daniel, speaking on The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast, highlighted Stanley as a top target for the Chiefs. “There’s only one player that makes sense for the Chiefs in free agency now that All-Pro Joe Thuney is gone…..Ronnie Stanley,” he said.

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The Chiefs’ general manager, Brett Veach, faces a challenging offseason with limited cap space—currently around $400,000—and has placed the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, which incurs a cap hit of $23 million. However, restructuring deals for high-paid players such as Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Jawaan Taylor could potentially free up more than $72 million.

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Meanwhile, the Ravens are reportedly looking to re-sign Stanley, with their general manager indicating that keeping the Pro Bowler is a priority as free agency approaches. “We’re trying to do everything we can to keep Ronnie in Baltimore,” a source close to the team stated.

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Amid this backdrop, the competition for Stanley’s services could be fierce. The New England Patriots have also emerged as a potential suitor, with reports suggesting they could offer Stanley a lucrative deal worth up to $100 million over four years.

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With the NFL draft and free agency fast approaching, the Chiefs and Ravens must navigate these complexities. Kansas City is looking to address pressure points in their offensive line after their struggles were exposed during last season’s Super Bowl loss.

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In addition to the Chiefs’ pursuits, the Ravens have been exploring their options for bolstering their offensive line as well. They have contingency plans if they cannot finalize a deal with Stanley, including shifting 2024 second-round pick Roger Rosengarten from right tackle to left tackle.