'Trying To Get A Deal Done': Ravens GM Reveals Free Agency Stance on Texas A&M Star Justin Madubuike
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Texas A&M NFL defensive lineman Justin Madubuike is getting paid this offseason and it's likely coming by the team that drafted him in 2020.
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine media session that Madubuike would likely receive the franchise tag by the March 5 deadline if the two sides can't come to terms on a long-term deal.
The franchise tag for defensive tackles is $22.102 million.
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"We're trying to get a deal done," DeCosta said. "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. [He] 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."
Drafted in the third round after a promising junior campaign in College Station, Madubuike, 26, has become one of the top defensive linemen over the past two seasons. In 2023, Madubuike posted career-highs in sacks (13), tackles for loss (12.5) and quarterback hits (33).
The Ravens bolstered one of the top defensive front sevens that led the league in scoring and sacks. Madubuike's 13 are the fifth-most in a single season by a Baltimore player and are tied for the most by a Ravens defensive tackle.
Madubuike is considered one of the top defensive players set to hit the market, alongside Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Dannielle Hunter.
Pro Football Focus projects the versatile defensive lineman to garner around $23 million annually, making him the fourth-highest-paid defensive tackle behind Los Angeles' Aaron Donald ($31.6 million), New York's Quinnen Williams ($24 million) and Tennessee's Jeffery Simmons (23.5 million).
A three-year starter at Texas A&M, Madubuike recorded 102 tackles and 24.5 tackles for loss. In his final season under then-defensive coordinator Mike Elko, Madubuike recorded career-highs in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (11.5).
