Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who just finished a great season in which he established himself as a mainstay along the Baltimore defensive line, is the top in-house free agent target for the Baltimore Ravens.
To retain Madubuike for one more season while they negotiate a long-term contract, the Ravens may choose to use the franchise tag on him.
After receiving the tag, Madubuike’s projected 2024 salary would be $21 million, placing him third in terms of franchise tag costs just after linebackers and quarterbacks. The former Aggie from Texas A&M only earned $2.7 million the previous year.
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Baltimore can restructure tight end Mark Andrews and safety Marcus Williams to free up almost $26 million in cap space. Teams frequently use this strategy when they are short on cash. In order to reduce a player’s cap hit, the league permits teams to convert a portion of a player’s salary into bonuses.
According to Hensley, Baltimore would also consider reducing the salaries of offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Due to injuries, both have underperformed; additionally, they earn two of the team’s five highest wages.
