The Baltimore Ravens have placed the exclusive franchise tag on defensive lineman Justin Madubuike. The two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal ahead of Tuesdays deadline to sign players to the franchise tag.
But while the Ravens and Madubuike could not work out a new deal it does not mean both sides are done trying. The Ravens will have until July 15th to get Madubuike signed to a long-term deal, otherwise the 2023 Pro-Bowler will play under the tag in 2024, meaning a $22.1 million cap hit for the Ravens.
The Ravens selected Madubuike out of Texas A&M in the third-round of the 2020 NFL draft, and since then has become one of the top interior defensive lineman in the NFL. 2023 was a career year for Madubuike has he spear headed a defense that led the NFL in sacks, point allowed, and turnovers. Playing in all 17 games last season Madubuike had 13 sacks, including a stretch of 11 straight games recording at least a half sack, 38 total tackles, and two forced fumbles.
Before placing the tag on Madubuike the Ravens had around $12 million in available cap space. Following this move, however, the Ravens will need to make some adjustments as they re-work existing contracts, and also release players to help give the team some money to work with as free agency nears. In addition, signing Maduibuike to a long-term deal could also free up some much needed cap space.
The Ravens have a host of pending free agents that will now hit the open market, and while Maduibuike was the team’s top priority to keep around in 2024. The likes of inside linebacker Patrick Queen, safety Geno Stone, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and guard Kevin Zeitler are likely to be on the move. Other notable free agents include running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards both of whom could return to Baltimore in 2024. Cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Arthur Maulet are also candidates to re-sign in Baltimore following solid season by both
Next up for the Ravens is the start of free agency which begins on March 13th, followed by the NFL draft with the first round taking place on April 25th.
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