The Baltimore Ravens could have a hard time keeping its No. 1 defense from this past season together in 2024.
Not only did the team lose defense coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks along with a few assistant coaches, but some key players are up for new and possible huge deals this offseason.
Defensive end Justin Madubuike is one of those players, and he acknowledged at the Pro Bowl this weekend that while he’d loved to stay in Baltimore, the NFL is a business – insinuating perhaps that he may take the most lucrative contract offer on the table.
“In terms of Baltimore, man, that’s home,” Madubuike said. “But, you know, business is business, and that side is going to take care of itself.”
Breakout DL Justin Madubuike on impending free agency: Baltimore is “home” but “business is business” (via @TCNGrantGordon)https://t.co/5O0VbOQ9OF pic.twitter.com/QP5bYgylZk
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 3, 2024
Madubuike led the team and all defensive tackles with 13 sacks this season and his 33 quarterback hits tied for third-most in the entire NFL.
He also tied an NFL record for 11 consecutive games with at least half a sack for a defensive tackle.
Madubuike could command a sizable salary in 2024, especially after Javon Hargrave signed a massive deal to join the San Francisco 49ers this past offseason.
The Ravens were a force at every part of the defense, but especially up on the defensive front with Madubuike leading the charge.
Baltimore could prioritize their best interior defensive lineman, but the team also has areas of concern on both sides of the ball.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns should be better and fully healthy in 2024, too, so the Ravens aren’t locks to repeat as AFC North champions.
Even the Pittsburgh Steelers could rebound offensively with Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator and another season for Kenny Pickett.
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