Ravens, DT Justin Madubuike reach a record 4-year, $98 million deal

The Baltimore Ravens have reached a four-year contract extension with their defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, the team announced on Friday. According to ESPN, the deal is worth $98 million in total, including $75.5 million guaranteed money.

Madubuike will receive $53.5 million at signing. That part and the guarantees are both the highest in National Football League (NFL) history for his position. His average annual salary of $24.5 million is the second-highest, next to only $31.6 million of Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams.

"Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone on our defense," Eric DeCosta, general manager of the Ravens, said in a statement. "This is a great way to start the new league year!"

Madubuike started all 17 games for the Ravens in the 2023 season and tallied career-high 13 sacks. In addition to 38 solo tackles and 33 quarterback hits. He was selected into both the Pro Bowl and the Second-team All-Pro for the first time since he joined the league in 2020.

The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Madubuike on Tuesday to keep him from becoming a free agent. That tag would have counted $22 million and made the team's payroll $10 million above the salary cap. Now that he has agreed to the extension, the Ravens will have about $10 million of cap space to sign free agents.

The team is currently in need of a No. 1 running back as well as enhancements in the offensive line and rush passer role. They were 13-4 last season and advanced to the playoffs as the American Football Conference (AFC) North champions. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game.