Ex-Patriots Target Speaks Out After Illegal Tampering Speculation

Despite the Patriots’ best — and perhaps illegal — efforts, they never had much of a chance of landing Ronnie Stanley.

Stanley was poised to be one of the best overall players to hit NFL free agency last week, let alone offensive linemen. The 2016 sixth overall draft pick would have been a game-changer in New England, where Mike Vrabel and company desperately need to improve their support for franchise quarterback Drake Maye.

The Patriots technically never had an actual chance to speak with Stanley, as he committed to stay in Baltimore days before the NFL’s legal tampering period opened. However, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer last week indicated New England might have negotiated with the veteran tackle before that window opened.

Stanley didn’t address that speculation when he spoke with the media Monday, but he did make it clear the Ravens had a markedly better chance than any other team to sign him to his latest contract.

“I knew I was going to give Baltimore the best bargain that I would offer to any other team,” Stanley told reporters, per ESPN. “But that being said, I still wanted to be happy with what I’m making and make sure I’m getting the value that I feel like I deserve. I think it was a good balance that could help the team and something I’m still happy with.”

The Patriots were forced to look in new directions for offensive line help after Stanley signed his new deal with the Ravens. New England inked tackle Morgan Moses, a former teammate of Stanley’s, to a three-year, $24 million deal on the second day of the new NFL year and added interior depth by signing Wes Schweitzer on Monday.

Neither of those moves made New England’s O-line substantially better, though, especially after the team released longtime center David Andrews. Thus, the Patriots might continue the lament not being able to make a proper run at Stanley.