Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike Among 'Riskiest Contracts' in Free Agency

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike landed a monster contract extension this offseason, but will he live up to the lofty deal?

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) / Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

When a player has a career year can often be the difference between landing a monster contract extension or missing out on the opportunity to capitalize on it.

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike timed the best season of his career perfectly, as it led to a four-year $98 million contract extension earlier this offseason. Could that deal come back to bite the Ravens, though?

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92). / Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Bleacher Report broke down what it believed to be the riskiest contracts of the offseason and the Ravens defensive tackle made the list, questioning if he can duplicate the season he had in 2023.

"It's possible that last season was a coming-out party—that Madubuike will continue wreaking havoc this year and establish himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive tackles," Bleacher Report writes. "But the history of free agency is littered with players who parlayed a big season into an even bigger payday and then never sniffed those heights again."

Madubuike was a dominant force on a Baltimore defense that led the league in sacks (60), allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and was tied for first in turnovers. He had 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss. Madubuike's play led to him being an AP second-team All-Pro and making the first Pro Bowl of his career.

Before last year, though, he had a combined 7.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for loss in his first three seasons. A player breaking out later in their career isn't unheard of, but there's certainly some caution in paying someone right after one great season. For Baltimore, Madubuike playing on the franchise tag for a season may have been ideal to ensure his 2023 season wasn't just a flash in the pan.

If Madubuike has another monster season, this conversation will be a moot point. But until then, it's worth wondering if the contract is going to be worth it, especially given who the Ravens let walk in free agency in favor of paying Madubuike.