Tag: Justin Madubuike

Panthers, Derrick Brown agree to 4-year extension

The Panthers locked down Derrick Brown on Friday.

The Carolina Panthers have cemented a cornerstone of their franchise.

As announced by the team on Friday afternoon, defensive tackle Derrick Brown has agreed to a multi-year extension. Per ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, Brown will be signing a four-year, $96 million deal with approximately $63.1 in guarantees.

Carolina selected Brown with the seventh overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. Since then, the Auburn University product has served as a pillar in the middle of the Panthers defense—having played in 66 of a possible 67 games over four pro campaigns.

In that time, Brown has amassed 245 combined tackles (28 for a loss), 8.0 sacks, 48 quarterback hits, two interceptions and 21 passes defensed. He’s fresh off recording 103 tackles in 2023—which not only stands as a new single-season NFL record for a defensive lineman, but also helped him earn the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

Brown’s deal will make him the fourth-highest paid player at his position on an annual basis—behind Kansas City’s Chris Jones, Las Vegas’ Christian Wilkins and Baltimore’s Justin Madubuike.

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Ravens DC Zach Orr excited to see continued growth from Justin Madubuike

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr is excited to see growth from DL Justin Madubuike

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2024 offseason with multiple priorities. They had an all-time free agent class that included multiple star players and understood that they needed to bring back whoever they could to once again compete for a championship.

Baltimore’s top priority for many was re-signing defensive lineman Justin Madubuike after his career year. The team and Madubuike reached an extension in the days leading up to 2024 free agency, and new defensive coordinator Zach Orr is excited to continue to see growth from the former Texas A&M star in the years to come.

“Eric [DeCosta] said it. Justin [Madubuike] is great against the run. He’s great against the pass, and this year what I felt like helped take his game to the next level [is] if you really just watch our film and pay attention to it, he played all across the defensive line. So, I mean he played the shade, the head-up zero, he played the three [technique], played the four [technique] and played the six [technique]. Sometimes he played the five [technique]. He played the run and rushed out at all those positions, and like I said, this year was his first time getting those opportunities to do that. So, now it’s just another year of being comfortable with the technique that we want at all those different positions. That way, teams can’t just focus in on one spot where he’s at, and he’s going to continue to get better at that. It’s going to be great for us. That’s how I see him getting better – just continuing to work on the technique, just like he said he’s going to do, and it allows us to move him around different spots so offenses just can’t key in on him.”

As Orr mentions, Madubuike is a player who is not limited to one spot on the defensive line. He can move around all over the field, and with how disruptive he can be both as a run defender and a pass rusher, the sky is the limit for what his 2024 year looks like.

Ravens All-Pro DT Justin Madubuike breaks down path to continued greatness following new contract

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike shared how he plans to get better after signing his new contract

The Baltimore Ravens rewarded defensive lineman Justin Madubuike with a massive contract extension following a breakout 2023 season. He accumulated a career-high 13 sacks and was highly disruptive, showing he is one of the cornerstone pieces on Baltimore’s defense.

Madubuike was asked what he sees in his future after signing his big-money contract and discussed expectations. He mentioned how he wants to continue impacting the game and hold himself to high standards throughout.

“What I see in the future is just continued greatness, continued … [I] just [want to have] impact on the game, just being a force, being a cornerstone to this defense. [I] just [want to keep] holding myself to this high standard that I did this past season and staying consistent. That’s what I see. I feel like when you do those things [and] take it one day at a time, good things are going to flourish, [and] good things are going to happen. It’s going to radiate to other teammates for sure to motivate them [and] inspire them so we can just be the best, because we have a goal in mind that we definitely fell short at this year. And we’re hungry to get back to where we belong.”

The fact that Madubuike also wants to inspire his other teammates shows that he is ready to step into more of a leadership role, which would be another step in his career. The fifth-year player has many more years of successful football ahead of him, showing he is only getting started.

Ravens’ Justin Madubuike heaps praise on OLB coach Chuck Smith

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike heaped praise on outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith

The Baltimore Ravens brought back one of their most effective pass rushers from 2023, defensive lineman Justin Madubuike. He tallied 13 sacks in a contract year, which he parlayed into a four-year, $98 million contract extension.

Over the course of his four NFL seasons, Madubuike has learned a lot about himself as a player and has had the support of many incredible coaches on Baltimore’s staff. One of them is outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith, whom Madubuike made sure to shout out and share the impact that the former player has had on his development.

“For him to be on the staff now, it’s like free teaching every day. But just the person that Chuck [Smith] is – very open, very honest in terms of technique and pass rush stuff. He just helped not only me, but I know a bunch of my teammates just get more crisp and more trim in terms of pass rush. He’s really good at what he does. I’ve worked with him for the past two years, and I feel like my game has evolved as soon as I start tapping [in when] I’ve been with him in training. So, yes, [he’s] a very big influence for sure.”

Smith is entering his second season with the Ravens and has left a profound mark on some of Baltimore’s young pass rushers, including Madubuike. The NFL veteran turned coach has found success as a teacher in life after playing, and players like Madubuike understand that it’s essential to be a sponge around him and soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Ravens DL Justin Madubuike appreciative of teammate’s support after signing new deal

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike is appreciative of his teammates support after he signed his new deal

The Baltimore Ravens rewarded defensive lineman Justin Madubuike with a massive four-year, $98 million extension after his incredible 2023 season. He put together a 13-sack campaign in a contract year, putting it all together in his fourth NFL season.

Following the deal, Madubuike was asked about his teammate’s support in their reaction to the contract he signed. He said it meant the world to him, and he’s blessed to have a brotherhood surrounding him.

“It means the world to me. Those are the guys that, literally, we go to war with each other on Sundays, Mondays and now sometimes Saturdays, I guess. It’s just a blessing to have a brotherhood. It’s a real brotherhood. We say it [to] the media – a lot of people say that – but it’s really true. We love playing with each other on the football field, and we just have each others’ backs. We check in with each other in the offseason, as well. It’s just awesome to have my teammates’ support and just [have] genuine love. A lot of guys texted me like, ‘Man, this is really motivating for me. You really did that, man. We talked about it, and now I believe in myself,’ so I feel like it just inspires everybody to keep getting better.”

Baltimore is known for its player-friendly environment, but some don’t put together an environment that includes the players themselves. Madubuike felt the love from his teammates, and the group will continue to lift each other up both on and off the field.

Justin Madubuike says Ravens respect new DC Zach Orr for his champioship pedigree

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike showed plenty of excitement for new defensive coordinator Zach Orr

The Baltimore Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks early in the 2024 offseason, as he accepted an offer to become their next head coach. Macdonald was a massive reason why Baltimore’s defense was elite in 2023, but the team is confident in the coach they chose to replace him in Zach Orr.

Orr has spent almost his entire NFL career with the Ravens as a player and a coach. He has no defensive coordinator or play-calling experience, but Baltimore defensive lineman Justin Madubuike is excited to have him lead the team’s defense, especially based on his football experience.

“I feel like it makes the guys in the locker room [tip] their hat to [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] and respect him in a sense of he’s been there, he’s done that, [and] he knows what it takes to win in this league. He’s been on championship teams. So, at the end of the day, it gives his voice more of an impact, in terms of my teammates. [There are] just more ears to listen to him, for sure, so we can all be on the same page and just attack as a wolfpack.”

Madubuike signed a four-year, $98 million extension with the Ravens after putting up a career-high 13 sacks in a contract year. The Ravens’ defense has undergone plenty of turnover with how free agency has played out so far, but players like Madubuike will help the team avoid too much of a dropoff.

15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2024 after first wave of NFL free agency

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings, we’re releasing the Ravens 15 biggest salary cap hits according to Over The Cap. 

Change is always good for the soul, and after a stunning loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic reconstruction that could pay off with championship dividends.

Changes hit the defensive coaching staff as Mike Macdonald accepted the Seahawks head coaching job, Anthony Weaver became the defensive coordinator in Miami, and Zach Orr was promoted from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings of cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, linebacker Chris Board, and offensive guard Josh Jones, we’re releasing the 15 most significant salary cap hits according to Over The Cap.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan provides update on potential Derrick Brown extension

Panthers GM Dan Morgan expressed some optimism about a potential contract extension for DT Derrick Brown.

Maybe the Carolina Panthers have themselves a standout defender who they can actually keep.

On Monday, the team’s president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan talked with reporters on a Zoom call from the NFL’s Annual League Meeting. When asked about defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who is entering the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, he expressed some optimism about a potential contract extension.

“I’m not going to put any timetable on it; we have had some good discussions with his agent,” Morgan said, via Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. “But as of right now, we’re working through that, and hopefully, it ends up working out at the end, which I think it will.”

Brown is coming off the first Pro Bowl season of his NFL career. In fact, it was no ordinary all-star campaign—as the 25-year-old broke the all-time single-season record for tackles by a defensive lineman.

A few of Brown’s fellow interior linemen got their big paydays this offseason—including Kansas City’s Chris Jones, Las Vegas’ Christian Wilkins and Baltimore’s Justin Madubuike. Jones set the market at a $158 million pact, with Wilkins at $110 million and Madubuike at $98 million.

So, is Brown next?

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Where do the Ravens rank in spending at each position after first wave of free agency?

We’re looking at where the Baltimore Ravens rank in positional spending after the first wave of NFL free agency

The 2024 salary cap is set at $255.4 million.

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Eric DeCosta started the off-season with urgency, signing Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

The Ravens have $13,884,766 in available cap space, and they’re paying out over $113 million on the offensive side of the football.

With the second wave of free agency set to begin, we’re examining Baltimore’s positional spending ranking.

All figures are via OverTheCap.com and official NFLPA records.

Updated status of every Ravens free agent after first wave of free agency

We’re taking an updated look at where the Baltimore Ravens 26 free agents have landed after the first wave of NFL free agency

The offseason is in full swing, particularly for the Baltimore Ravens, who have made one gigantic move, agreeing to a two-year deal with running back Derrick Henry.

The Ravens will utilize draft picks and the second wave of free agency to retool after losing eight players in the first week.

Baltimore has had good moments so far, and we’re taking an updated look at the status of every initial 2024 free agent through the first wave of signings.