Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike looms as the biggest free agent domino to fall this offseason and while the franchise seems set to place the franchise tag on him, that isn't exactly ideal.
A long-term deal is what Madubuike is after and considering he had a career-best season in a contract year, he will be eyeing top-of-the-market money, and rightly so.
But if things can't be agreed and the situation between the Ravens and Madubuike turns sour, he could, in theory, look for a move elsewhere with a team who can pay more than what Baltimore can.
However, NFL.com's Adam Rank has detailed that while Madubuike might get more money elsewhere, it is unlikely that he will have the same kind of success he could have with the Ravens.
"Madubuike is about to break the bank as one of the top defensive linemen on the free-agent market this offseason," Rank writes. "He had a major breakout season -- in a contract year, no less -- with a team-high 13 sacks for a Ravens unit that lead the NFL in the category. And it’s not like Madubuike is a product of the system or anything like that, but the Ravens have built a special defense -- boosted by former DC Mike Macdonald, who’s now the head man in Seattle -- and it would be a shame to see the Pro Bowler walk away from that. He might end up with more money if he leaves, but I’m not sure he’s going to have more success."
General manager Eric DeCosta has stated that the Ravens will franchise tag Madubuike if a long-term deal can't be agreed before the deadline, so there is a fair chance that the defensive star will remain a Raven...for 2024 at least.
Part of the best defense in football, Madubuike was a force of nature, leading the Ravens in sacks (13), tackles for loss (12) and quarterback hits (33) as he developed into one of the most feared defensive tackles in football.
But now, with his contract up, the Ravens have to play ball.
If Baltimore does tag Madubuike, he will receive $22.1 million for the 2024 season, and per spotrac.com, his market value is $20.3 million APY so for one season, he will be getting good value.
But we have seen the want for players to secure long-term contracts and that is clearly the goal for Madubuike here.
Baltimore has shown an intent to keep Justin a Raven and with the franchise tag deadline fast approaching, time is running out to get that long-term deal done.
But one thing is for certain, the Ravens simply can't let one of their best defensive players walk out the door, and based on what we have heard over the last few weeks, that doesn't seem like it will be happening.
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