The Baltimore Ravens are doing everything they can to maintain their young core, just missing out on their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2012 season.
Baltimore agreed to a four-year, $98 million contract extension with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, with $75 million guaranteed.
The deal makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL, surpassing the $96 million the New York Jets gave Quinnen Williams last year.
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Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates during a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“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. Via X (formerly Twitter). “We are very happy for Justin and his family, but we are equally happy for our fans. This is a great way to start the new league year!”
Baltimore originally placed the franchise tag on the interior lineman. Madubuike was a third-round pick, so he was not eligible for the fifth-year option.
With no other suitable candidates, the Ravens played it safe and tagged him to ensure he would be with the team in 2024, but it’s clear something long-term is on the table. was.
DeCosta said at the time that the team would continue to negotiate a long-term contract with Madubuike, which quickly worked out. Baltimore previously used the franchise tag on star quarterback Lamar Jackson, but then reached a long-term contract with him after he requested a trade.
Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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In fact, the average annual value of Madu Buike’s contract is higher than the franchise tag price of $22 million. He will average $24.5 million over the life of his contract, the second-highest average in history behind Aaron Donald’s $31.6 million.
The deal came after Madubuike was nominated to the Pro Bowl for the first time. He was named second-team All-Pro and finished ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Madubuike had a career-high 13 sacks, more than double his career-high five and a half sacks in 2022.
Madubuike tied an NFL record with 11 consecutive games with at least a half-sack.
The Ravens still have some decisions to make. Linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, and running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards are all scheduled to become free agents.
Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after being sacked during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 1, 2023 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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But with Madubuike locked up and All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton under team control for another five years, the Ravens could strengthen their defense around two young studs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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