Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike chose a good year to hit free agency. The former third-round pick has always been a solid player, but he had a breakout season during the final year of his contract. Starting in all 17 games, the defensive tackle finished the season with 13 sacks, 56 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and 33 quarterback hits while earning his first Pro Bowl nomination.
While Lamar Jackson played at an MVP level, the Ravens would not have earned the top seed in the AFC without Madubuike and that elite defense. Now set to earn a massive payday, Justin Madubuike recently spoke out about what he’s expecting in free agency.
“In terms of Baltimore, man, that’s home,” Madubuike said while at the Pro Bowl. “But, you know, business is business, and that side is going to take care of itself.”
Justin Madubuike Teases Free Agency Departure: “Business is Business”
Like most players, it appears Justin Madubuike enjoyed his time with his original team but will follow the money in free agency. You can’t blame a player for doing this, as a professional athlete’s window of opportunity is only open for a short period, and they’re always one bad snap away from losing their entire career.
The Ravens have one of the most talented rosters in the league, and they’ll probably do everything in their power to ensure Justin Madubuike doesn’t hit free agency. In theory, the two sides could agree to a new contract prior to March, or the team could use the franchise tag to keep him around for at least one more year.
However, using the franchise tag on a defensive tackle comes with a projected cap hit of $20.98 million, and the Ravens only have $5.65 million in available cap space. Baltimore might not have the financial liberty to use the franchise tag on Justin Madubuike, so there is a decent chance the defensive tackle makes it to free agency.
Possible Team Fits
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions came this close to making the Super Bowl, but now they have a target on their backs. Everybody in the league knows this team is legit, and Dan Campbell himself said that they’ll have a hard time making it back in 2024. If the team wants to improve their odds of building on their impressive 2023, then they’ll need to secure the defense. Aidan Hutchinson is a great player, and adding someone like Justin Madubuike in free agency would create a dangerous pass-rushing duo. With over $61 million in cap space, they can certainly afford to bring him in.
Seattle Seahawks
Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. As is the case with every first-year coach, Macdonald will have to take a long, hard look at the roster and see which players can fit in his scheme. Seattle’s interior defensive line is nothing to write home about, so why wouldn’t he sign old friend Justin Madubuike in free agency? Macdonald knows how to get the most out of him, and you need somebody who can collapse the pocket from the inside when you share a division with Kyler Murray, Brock Purdy, and Matthew Stafford.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are going to have one of the most fascinating offseasons of any team. With Jim Harbaugh now leading the charge, the team is currently $44 million over the allotted salary cap. However, they can easily get below the cap by parting ways with expensive veterans like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. Nobody knows what Los Angeles will do, but if Harbaugh wants to tear it down and start from scratch, he can easily do that. If he goes down that road, then he could easily rebuild his defensive line by signing Justin Madubuike in free agency.
New Orleans Saints
The salary cap does not matter for the New Orleans Saints. Every year they enter the offseason in cap hell, yet they always find a way to spend once the league year begins. The Saints lost a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball last year and thought that rookies Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey could step in and contribute from Day 1. That didn’t happen. While it’s too early to completely give up on both players, New Orleans needs to add a proven pass rusher like Justin Madubuike in free agency if they want to win the division and save Dennis Allen’s job.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears could easily be the most improved team of 2024. With two first-round picks and over $49 million in cap space, this team has the resources to completely revamp its roster. Chicago’s defense wasn’t a weak link last year by any stretch of the imagination, but they could use an additional pass rusher. Justin Madubuike should be one of the best options available in free agency, and the Bears should have the financial liberty to hand out a contract that makes sense for both sides.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
