Ravens defensive tackle star projected to have a big free agency season
The Baltimore Ravens front line has been a headache for opposing offenses to try and game plan against. A major reason is the emergence of defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Madubuike was drafted by the Ravens in the 3rd Round of the 2020 NFL draft and has been a constant contributor to the Ravens’ defense. He will only be 26 entering the 2024 NFL season and will have plenty of prime years left for a team desiring his services.
“Madubuike has already recorded a career high 8.5 sacks this season after posting 5.5 in 2022,” according to Bowen. The former 3rd rounder has the ability to blow up any offensive play.
Best of all he shows the explosiveness that teams crave. Bowen believes Madubuike has the tools teams look for.
“The foot quickness jumps on the tape, as does the short-area juice, which allows Madubuike to leverage blocker and create interior pressure.”
The fourth-year player has increased production across the board. In 10 games he has 33 combined tackles, 17 QB hits, and the aforementioned 8.5 sacks.
Madubuike Will Be in Line for Giant Pay Raise
According to Fowler, “While [Kansas City Chiefs] Chris Jones and [Miami Dolphins] Christian Wilkins are the more well-known names at interior defensive line, Madubuike is also in line to earn big dollars in March.”
Being spoken in the same sentence as those two names may scare the Ravens’ front office, as both Jones and Wilkins will be in line to set the market in terms of DT contracts.
However, Madubuike is unlikely to reach that level of contract, unless he continues to have a huge year. Though, he will command more than the 3-year, $15.75 million contract his teammate Broderick Washington received earlier this season.