Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta had clarified that the organization would place the franchise tag on star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike if no deal could be reached.
With the March 5 deadline in effect, Baltimore has placed the tag on the All-Pro defensive tackle DeCosta confirmed.
We have placed the franchise tag on DT Justin Madubuike. pic.twitter.com/DMjgH2iT0M
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 5, 2024
DeCosta had this to say about the move.
“We were unable to agree on a contract ext. w/Justin before the deadline and will use the franchise tag,” GM Eric DeCosta said. “Justin is a great player and person, and we’ll continue to negotiate long-term deal with him.”
Madubuike, 26, bet on himself last spring, and he is coming off a breakout season in which he produced a career-high 13 sacks for a Ravens defense that led the NFL with 60 sacks last season. Madubuike totaled more sacks last season than he did in his first three seasons combined (8.5 sacks).
Madubuike’s 13 sacks last year are the fifth-most in a single season by a Baltimore player and are tied for the most by a Ravens defensive tackle.
With All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen likely to depart for a massive free agent deal, retaining Madubuike is the Raven’s biggest priority in a critical offseason that’ll see 26 players test free agency.
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