Justin Madubuike had a career season, but Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens aren’t about to let him cash in. Instead, in order to retain the disruptive defensive lineman at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens “probably will” employ the franchise tag.
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, DeCosta discussed his intentions for Madubuike with reporters on Tuesday, February 27, in advance of the annual NFL Scouting Combine.
Hensley noted that the Ravens will have to pay a significant amount of money to tag Madubuike if a long-term deal cannot be reached by the deadline of Tuesday, March 5. After Madubuike’s spectacular 2023 season, in which the D-lineman had a team-high 13 sacks, DeCosta will probably conclude that the $22-plus million price tag was worthwhile.
Since Madubuike is getting close to his prime, the Ravens would be smart to keep him on the team for at least another season. Even though there won’t be much room under the pay ceiling, DeCosta will probably need to get inventive.
Additionally, using the tag will preserve options for the franchise and the player. The 26-year-old first-time Pro Bowler Madubuike might still be tagged and traded by the Ravens, or they could use the extra time to negotiate a new, long-term contract with him.
Justin Madubuike Received An Excessive Payday
DeCosta said, “We’re attempting to close a deal. We’ve spoken with Justin about it.The best-case situation for the Ravens would be to ensure Madubuike’s long-term future. Given that Spotrac.com predicts the franchise to have $16,466,944 in cap space, it won’t be simple.
Not much more than that, enough for the tag. Given this, Madubuike would feel pressured to check the market and evaluate offers following his breakthrough performances.
Every week, he dominated in a variety of ways. Similar to how Doug Farrar of USA Today credited Madubuike with “a sack and six total pressures… from five different gaps” when No. 92 destroyed the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15.
Versatility and consistency were hallmarks of Madubuike’s game. The latter trait helped him log “at least half a sack in 11 straight games, tying an NFL record,” per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
