The Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year contract deal with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on Friday, three days after placing the franchise tag on him. The rumored $98 million agreement made him the NFL’s second highest-paid defensive tackle.
“Justin is one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL and a cornerstone of our defense,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. ‘We are thrilled for Justin and his family, as well as for our fan base. “This is an excellent way to begin the new league season!”
The new league year begins next Wednesday, and the Ravens had already taken a move to keep Madubuike from departing by putting the franchise tag on him. The price tag for defensive tackles was somewhat more than $22 million for one year.
DeCosta stated at the time that the team will continue to negotiate a long-term contract with Madubuike, which worked out fast. Last season, Baltimore put the franchise tag on standout quarterback Lamar Jackson before signing a long-term contract with him weeks later.
Madubuike positioned himself in line for a large new contract with 13 sacks last season. He more than doubled his previous career high, helping Baltimore’s defense become one of the best in the league.
Madubuike was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2020 draft. He became a regular starter in his second season, and his sack totals have steadily increased year after year. In 2023, the final season of his rookie contract, he was named second-team All-Pro for a club that had the league’s best regular-season record.
Madubuike tied an NFL record by recording at least a half-sack in 11 straight games.
Following their loss in the AFC title game, the Ravens face a difficult offseason. Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Van Noy, as well as running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, are set to become free agents.
