General manager Eric DeCosta stated on Tuesday that if an agreement isn’t negotiated by the deadline of March 5, the Baltimore Ravens are anticipated to franchise tag defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. “Our goal is to close a deal. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, DeCosta informed reporters, “We’ve had discussions with Justin.” “It’s clear from the way he played this year that he put himself in a fortunate situation. For us, he had a fantastic season. He is an important member of the team, and we aim to reach a long-term agreement with him.”
Asked about using the franchise tag if necessary, DeCosta replied: “I probably will, yes.”
After being selected for his first Pro Bowl in 2023, Madubuike would play under the franchise tag in 2024 and make $22.1 million. After completing his four-year, $4.85 million rookie contract last season, Madubuike—who was selected by Baltimore in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft—will be eligible to sign a free agent contract this offseason. Madubuike, 26, recorded 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 56 tackles in 17 games that he started in 2023. In 59 career games (47 starts), he has 153 tackles and 21.5 sacks.
