Justin Madubuike: How much will the DT cost Ravens for Franchise tag?

The Baltimore Ravens are in a tough spot this offseason, with 23 players hitting unrestricted free agency. The team boasts ample cap space due to the extended salary cap, but tough decisions loom as they can’t retain all players.

However, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike can breathe easy for a while, as his standout play on the field has solidified his importance to the Ravens. His influence has been transformative, and so he has now earned himself a permanent spot in the team’s blueprint for the future.

How much will Justin Madubuike cost the Ravens for the Franchise tag?

Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has hinted at utilizing the franchise tag if a long-term agreement isn’t reached. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to negotiate a long-term contract, recognizing the D-line star’s significant contributions to the team’s success.

“We probably will, yes,” the HC said at the NFL Scouting Combine via ESPN. “We’re trying to get a deal done. We’ve had discussions with Justin. He’s a guy that has obviously put himself in a fortuitous position this year by the way that he played. He had a great season for us. He’s a valued player on the team and hopefully we can get a long-term deal done.”

If the franchise tag is indeed applied, it would come with a price tag of $22.1 million against the team’s salary cap. The Ravens now possess $16.6 million in cap space, as reported by Over The Cap.

The franchise tag would serve as a temporary measure. It will afford the team time until July 15 to secure a long-term deal with Madubuike while ensuring compliance with salary-cap regulations.

Justin Madubuike’s contract extension attempt last offseason was thrashed. Playing out his rookie contract has put him in a prime position as a sought-after player in the upcoming free agency market.

How did Madubuike perform for the Ravens last season?

Justin Madubuike’s performance this season was a game-changer, outshining his previous three seasons combined. With 13 sacks under his belt, he clinched the fifth spot in the record books for the most sacks in a single season by a Baltimore player.

The experienced player dominated the field, leading both the Ravens and all defensive linemen with an impressive sack tally. He also achieved a milestone that hadn’t been seen from a Ravens player since Terrell Suggs in 2017, reaching double-digit sacks in a season.

With each passing season, the defensive star’s sack count has surged twofold. His influence went beyond just sacking the quarterback, tallying an impressive 33 hits on the opposing QB. He broke a record by achieving a streak of 11 consecutive games with at least a half-sack. Justin Madubuike’s stellar season was further confirmed with a second-team All-Pro selection and his first Pro Bowl invite.