Ravens discussing extension with star defender

When speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta confirmed that discussions have taken place on a new deal for Madubuike. 

While he later acknowledged that the franchise tag will all but assuredly be used if no traction is gained soon, the team’s clear preference is an agreement providing more financial flexibility.

“We’re trying to get a deal done,” DeCosta said, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “We’ve had discussions with Justin. He’s the guy that obviously has put himself in a fortuitous position this year, by the way that he played. Had a great season for us. He’s a valued player on the team and we’re hopeful that we can get a long-term deal done.”

Madubuike saw incremental growth in terms of year-over-year production during his first three seasons in the league. His continued development took on a decidedly different level in 2023, however, as he recorded 13 sacks and 33 QB hits. 

The 26-year-old earned his first career Pro Bowl invite, as well as a second-team All-Pro nod. He therefore projects as the Ravens’ top priority in terms of in-house players in need of being retained.

Last offseason saw a surge in the price of up-and-coming defensive linemen. The quartet of Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Daron Payne and Dexter Lawrence each landed extensions worth between $22.5M and $24M per season. 

Madubuike could be in line to secure a similar value on his next contract if one can be worked out on either side of the tag deadline (March 5). 

The one-year tender would cost $22.1M, and absorbing that cap hit at once would hinder Baltimore’s other efforts in free agency.

Of course, the tag could wind up serving as a stopgap to allow more time on the negotiation front. 

Tagged players can work out a new deal as late as mid-July, but if DeCosta has his way, Madubuike will already be on the books for 2024 and beyond by that point.