Baltimore Ravens pending free agent Justin Madubuike named ideal fit for Cincinnati Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens are officially in the middle of one of their tougher offseason decisions. With the franchise tag window now open, Baltimore has to decide who will get the tag, and who will hit the market. One of those players is DT Justin Madubuike, who was just given an ideal fit that would haunt […]
The Baltimore Ravens are officially in the middle of one of their tougher offseason decisions.
With the franchise tag window now open, Baltimore has to decide who will get the tag, and who will hit the market.
One of those players is DT Justin Madubuike, who was just given an ideal fit that would haunt the Ravens for years to come:
Madubuike To Cincy?
Look for the Ravens to make a strong play to retain Madubuike, who had a career-high 13 sacks in 2023. But I also like him in Cincinnati for a defense that needs to add more speed and playmaking ability to its front seven. The Bengals allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play last season. Madubuike has the foot quickness and first-step juice to leverage blockers and make an impact on the pocket. -Matt Bowen, ESPN
For Baltimore, tagging or extending Madubuike should be a no brainer given his age and recent production, but if the Ravens want to keep him around, it's going to cost a pretty penny:
Franchise Tag Likelihood: High
Projected Contract: 4 yrs, $97M, $24.25M APY, $62.5M GTD
Year One Cap Hit: $13M
The skinny: There is perhaps no player entering free agency who has earned more money than Madabuike. A former third-round pick, his play through the first three years of his career was that of a solid and productive lineman. Then in 2023 Madubuike went off, doubling his previous career high in pressures (64) while recording five more sacks than his previous career total (13). – A to Z Sports Free Agency
So it's a simple decision (keep Madubuike or let him walk), but it's not an easy one for the Ravens given the money it's going to cost.
But I would say a lighter pocketbook is better than watching one of the best upcoming defenders in the league wreaking havoc against you, and if Bowen is right, on a bi-yearly basis.
For the full list of contract projections among the top 105 NFL free agents, click here.
For Matt Bowen's Top 50 Free Agency Fits, click here
