When the Ravens traded tackle Orlando Brown, Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs, many criticized the move because it left the team vulnerable at the offensive edge, a vulnerability that was exacerbated by Ronnie Stanley’s inability to properly work through the rehabilitation process of his surgically “repaired” ankle. The trade left the line in tatters and consequently, offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s unit never approached its full potential in 2021.
GM Eric DeCosta gambled on Stanley’s return and that roll of the dice produced snake eyes. In the short-term, the trade was costly. But the long view tells a different tale.