The Baltimore Ravens are facing some difficult decisions regarding which of its stars it can offer an extension to this offseason.
Both defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and linebacker Patrick Queen are coming off the best seasons of their career, but financially, the Ravens will likely only be able to keep one of them, so who should it be?
“I'm guessing they'll place the franchise tag on Madubuike if they can't agree on a new contract,” BaltimoreRavens.com writes. “He's one of the NFL's best interior linemen coming off a career year with 13 sacks. Madubuike is in his prime at age 26, and his ability to generate consistent pressure up the middle is a major asset that many defenses don't have.”
Madubuike was an absolute beast in 2023, recording 33 quarterback hits and 13 sacks, which earned him his first Pro Bowl appearance.
As the only player on the team with double-digit sacks, it’s hard to imagine Baltimore letting Madubuike walk away and give the prime years of his career to another team. A franchise tag would provide both parties with more time to negotiate a long-term deal if needed.
Unfortunately, that means the team would likely have to let Queen move on to another team after an outstanding 2023.
“It's going to take a lot to re-sign him, and salary cap limitations could lead to Queen signing elsewhere, no matter how badly the Ravens would love to keep him,” the team’s website writes.
It would hurt to watch Queen join another team right after being named as an All-Pro linebacker for recording 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble for Baltimore. Still, it may be the only option, considering the team’s salary cap situation.
Currently, with just under $7.5 million In cap space, general manager Eric DeCosta will have to work some magic in order to keep any of his stars for next season.
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