OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens made a wise decision by re-signing defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Madubuike agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $98 million in March. The contract came just three days after the Ravens placed the franchise tag on Madubuike, which would have cost them $22.1 million next season.
That was voted as the team’s “Best 2024 NFL offseason decision” by Pro Football Focus, an analytics website.
“The Derrick Henry signing got more publicity, as it should, with Henry and Lamar Jackson set to strike fear into defensive coordinators everywhere,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema wrote. “However, retaining Justin Madubuike was Baltimore’s biggest offseason move. The Ravens’ secondary is budding and anchored by linebacker Roquan Smith in the middle, but they Madubuike’s pass-rushing abilities are vital to the defense’s overall efficacy.
“He is coming off career bests in PFF pass-rush grade (79.6) and run-defense grade (66.9). His consistency is what helps him be such a force, as he recorded at least half a sack in 11 straight games last year.”
Last season, Madubuike, 26, started all 17 games for the Ravens, producing career highs in tackles (56), sacks (13), tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33) and forced fumbles (2), en route to earning his first Pro Bowl honors and second-team All-Pro honors.
His 13 sacks led the Ravens and all NFL defensive tackles last season. He also tied the NFL single-season record by registering at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games.
Madubuike was drafted in the third round (71st overall) of the 2020 NFL draft from Texas A&M and has spent his career in Baltimore. Madubuike has played in 59 games (47 starts), recording 153 tackles (97 solo), 29 tackles for loss, 21 1/2 sacks, 5 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles.
“He’s the guy that has put himself in a fortuitous position this year, by the way, that he played,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said about Madubuike this offseason. “He had a great season for us. He’s a valued player on the team.”
