The upcoming free agent class at the defensive tackle spot could include the likes of Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins if they do not re-up with the Chiefs and Dolphins, respectively. Another, younger option at the position is also set to hit the open market soon, though, and he could be in store for a notable raise.
Justin Madubuike is currently playing out the final year of his rookie contract with the Ravens. The 25-year-old has emerged as a significant contributor to Baltimore’s defense, seeing a jump in playing time with each passing season. Madubuike’s 2023 snap share sat at 69% prior to today’s win in London, a game in which he recorded five tackles and a pair of sacks.
That performance brings his total in the latter category to 4.5, only one short of the career high he registered last season. The Texas A&M product has proven to be a disruptive presence along the interior with 11 tackles for loss since the start of the 2022 campaign, and his age should help earn him a lucrative second contract with the Ravens or another interested team in March. Indeed, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that Maduibuike is expected around the league to command a sizeable raise in the near future.
Baltimore faced the prospect of not only Maduibuike but also fellow D-linemen Michael Pierce and Broderick Washington departing in March at one point. That situation has been prevented with the latter inking a three-year extension in August, but talks on Madubuike’s next deal will be worth watching. The former third-rounder has been on the extension radar for some time now, but it has long been expected his second contract would check in at a larger price tag than Washington’s.
The 2023 offseason saw the defensive tackle market make serious gains regarding players in Madubuike’s age range. Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Daron Payne and Dexter Lawrence each re-upped with their respective teams on deals averaging between $22.5M and $24M per year. Madubuike would likely need to deliver a monster season the rest of the way to put himself in contention to reach the top of the DT market in free agency, but he can be expected to cash in considerably compared to the $1.2M AAV of his rookie pact. His continued play through the remainder of the campaign, and its effects on his market, will be a storyline to follow.
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