Ravens Officially Franchise Tag Justin Madubuike
The only question regarding Justin Madubuike's pending free agency was if the Baltimore Ravens were going to be able to agree to a long-term extension or place him on the franchise tag.
On the final day the tag can be placed, we finally have our answer.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92).
USA Today
Baltimore placed the Pro Bowl defensive tackle on the exclusive franchise tag which will pay the 26-year-old over $22 million for the 2024 season. ESPN was first on the news about the tag announcement.
The Ravens and Madubuike were negotiating well up until the 4 pm deadline for the franchise tag to be met and will expect to negotiate throughout free agency to come to terms on a long-term extension.
In 2023, the former third-round pick out of Texas A&M notched a career-high in sacks (13), while being named a first-time Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nominee. Madubuike finished ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting due to the fact it's very rare to see interior defensive linemen tally double-digit sack totals in a single season.
Baltimore will have to move some money around to allow Madubuike's tag to stay on the roster without going over the increased salary cap floor the NFL announced last week.
By placing the tag on Madubuike, though, the Ravens have essentially allowed linebacker Patrick Queen, and guard Kevin Zeitler to hit free agency - two moves that were expected, but leave holes in a group that led the NFL in wins during the regular season.
It won't be the only move the Ravens make, but tagging Madubuike is the first step needed for Baltimore this important offseason.
