
The NFL's regular season is over, which for most teams, means it's time to start figuring out plans for the offseason.
NFL free agency is a huge part of the process, and along with the NFL Draft, it has everyone preparing for what should be a very active couple of months.
We've officially come up with our own contract projections for the NFL's top free agents that include context behind each player's 2023 season, the likelihood of a franchise tag, the projection itself, and the first-year cap hit for a team that's “all-in” and is needing to reduce that first-year hit in order to maximize their cap dollars.
So, without further ado, let's check out the projection for Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike.
There is perhaps no player entering free agency who has earned more money than Madabuike. A former third-round pick, his play through the first three years of his career was that of a solid and productive lineman. Then in 2023 Madubuike went off, doubling his previous career high in pressures (64) while recording five more sacks than his previous career total (13).
Working under new defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald’s sim-heavy scheme, Madubuike saw more 1-on-1s in 2023 and took full advantage of the opportunity, recording the third-most pressures in true pass sets among all interior defenders in the NFL while he was one of only 12 interior defensive linemen to record a pass rush win rate of 14 percent or better.
His elevation into the tier of elite pass rusher along with a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro will ensure Madubuike signs one of the most lucrative deals in this year’s free agency regardless of position.
Be sure to check back in and around the site for more projections, as we will add more in the coming days and weeks.
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