Ravens Sign Star Defensive Tackle to Long-Term Deal

The Baltimore Ravens have reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension with star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, the club announced Friday. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the deal is worth $98 million and includes $75.5 million total in guarantees and $53.5 million at signing.

Madubuike is now the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL, behind just Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams. Donald averages $31.7 million per year, while Madubuike’s average figure is $24.5 million.

The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Madubuike earlier this week, but they were able to iron things out and secure him long-term. Getting a deal done with Madubuike before free agency also frees up a ton of cap space for Baltimore, as his $22.1 million franchise tag number is now off the books. The Ravens had just $12.5 million available in cap space with Madubuike accounted for on the franchise tag.

“Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone on our defense,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta stated, via the team’s official website. “We are thrilled for Justin and his family and equally happy for our fanbase. This is a great way to start the new league year!”

Madubuike, 26, had a breakout year in 2023, setting career highs in nearly every statistical category. Baltimore’s third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Madubuike became a starter midway through his second season in 2021 and was a full-time starter in 2022.

But he took off in 2023. In his first three seasons combined, Madubuike recorded 8.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. Last year alone, he had 13 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 33 quarterbacks.

Madubuike finished ninth in the voting for the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, and was selected to the All-Pro Team and the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Madubuike just finished his rookie contract and earned only $2.74 million in 2023.