- Ravens used the franchise tag on Madabuike before agreeing to an extension
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The Baltimore Ravens have a new $100 million man: defensive tackle Justin Madabuike.
Technically, the four-year deal is actually worth a reported $98 million, including $75.5 million in guarantees. ESPN. Madabuike is owed $53.5 million at signing, ESPN reports.
Perhaps most importantly, the deal gives Baltimore an additional $11 million in cap space for a Super Bowl contender.
“Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone of our defense,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement three days after giving Madabuike the franchise tag. “We are thrilled for Justin and his family and equally thrilled for our fan base. This is a great way to start the new competition year!’
The new league year starts next Wednesday and the Ravens had already taken a step to prevent Madubuike from leaving when they gave him the franchise tag. The defensive tackle title came with an annual cost of just over $22 million.
Justin Madubuike has reason to smile after agreeing a $98 million deal
The 49ers’ Brock Purdy attempts a pass under pressure from Justin Madubuike in December
DeCosta said at the time that the team would continue to try to negotiate a long-term deal with Madubuike, and that worked quickly. Last season, Baltimore used the franchise tag on star quarterback Lamar Jackson, then agreed to a long-term deal with him weeks later.
On Thursday, another player who received the franchise tag – Chicago’s Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson – agreed to a four-year contract to remain with the Bears.
Madubuike put himself in position for a big new contract with 13 sacks last season. He more than doubled his previous career high and helped Baltimore’s defense become one of the best in the league.
The Ravens drafted Madubuike in the third round in 2020. He became a regular starter in his second season and his sack totals have increased each year. In 2023 – the final season of his rookie contract – he earned second-team All-Pro honors for a team that posted the best regular-season record in the league.
Madubuike tied an NFL record when he had at least half a sack in 11 consecutive games.
After losing in the AFC championship game, the Ravens face a complicated offseason. Linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, and running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards will all be free agents.