Right before the franchise tag deadline, the Baltimore Ravens have decided on the future of their star defensive tackle.
In an unsurprising move, Baltimore is franchise-tagging Justin Madubuike, who will now earn $22 million for the 2024 season, a hefty increase from the $2.7 he made last season.
The main question regarding Madubuike’s future was whether he’d be tagged or get a long-term deal, with little concern of him ever leaving the Ravens.
Ravens franchise tag DT Justin Madubuike. pic.twitter.com/qMtUlpwzoo
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2024
It’s one less thing for Ravens fans to worry about as they head into the offseason following a disappointing AFC Championship game loss.
Madubuike isn’t going anywhere, and the team can now begin discussions on a long-term deal to keep him in town for years to come.
The team has until mid-July to come to terms on a multi-year deal.
The 26-year-old blossomed in 2023, posting a career-high 13 sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro selection.
Madubuike also finished ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Baltimore currently sits slightly over the NFL’s increased salary cap and will have to move a bit of money around to accommodate Madubuike’s new deal.
Most notably, this tag allows star linebacker Patrick Queen and guard Kevin Zeitler to hit free agency.
Other members of the roster hitting free agency are Odell Beckham Jr., J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and John Simpson.
Getting Madubuike taken care of is a big first step towards a successful offseason, and the Ravens can now proceed knowing the anchor of their defense isn’t going anywhere.
The post Ravens Have Made A Decision About Justin Madubuike’s Future appeared first on The Cold Wire.