Patriots Reportedly Illegally Tampered, Extended Offer To Ronnie Stanley

The Patriots never had the opportunity to legally tamper with Ronnie Stanley, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t present an offer.

Semantics, right?

Before the veteran offensive tackle re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots reportedly made a behind-the-scenes “conceptual” pitch to Stanley. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders also made a run at Stanley before the legal tampering window opened Monday.

“Obviously this stuff was spoke about — conceptually is the best way to put it,” Breer said Tuesday on NBC Sports Boston’s “Arbella Early Edition.” “Some free agency might have happened over the weekend.”

Breer reported the Patriots “were over” $24 million in their pitch to Stanley.

The Commanders also were in the neighborhood of $24 million while the Ravens and Chiefs pitched $20 million, per Breer. Baltimore reportedly landed Stanley on a three-year, $60 million deal for an average annual value of $20 million.

While the Patriots obviously didn’t land Stanley, who was reported to be their top target, there is something to be said about the pursuit. Breer’s reporting certainly paints an aggressive picture from Mike Vrabel and company.