The Baltimore Ravens restructured the contracts of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Roquan Smith on Tuesday, in addition to All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker, to create $9.3 million in salary cap space for the 2024 season. The Ravens will have some extra roster flexibility as they look to finally get over the hump in the AFC and get back to the Super Bowl. Madubuike just signed a huge four-year, $98 million deal in early March after the Ravens initially placed the franchise tag on him. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023 with 56 tackles, 13 sacks and two forced fumbles. He may not be worth starting in IDP leagues in Week 1 against the Chiefs, but he's at least worth a bench spot. Smith, 27, finished sixth in the NFL with 158 total tackles last year and is a top-five, must-start IDP linebacker in 2024.
The Baltimore Ravens placed their franchise tag on defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on Tuesday. Madubuike had 13 sacks last season, the most by a Ravens player in nine years. He also tied an NFL record by recording at least half a sack in 11 straight games in 2023. If the two sides don't agree on a multi-year contract extension by mid-July, the 26-year-old pass-rusher will earn $22.1 million guaranteed for the 2024 season. In addition to his team-high 13 sacks, the former third-round pick had a career-high 56 tackles (38 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 33 QB hits and a forced fumble in 17 regular-season games. It was enough to make him a top-20 defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues in his breakout campaign. In his first three NFL seasons combined, Madubuike had just 8.5 sacks, so it's fair to wonder if he can keep this up.
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Justin Madubuike leads the team with 9.5 sacks with six regular-season games to go in 2023. The Ravens haven't had a player reach double-digit sacks since Terrell Suggs broke the 10-sack mark back in 2017 with 11. Madubuike is currently earning just $2.7 million from the Ravens, and the 26-year-old will hit the open market this upcoming offseason after a breakout season. The Ravens want to keep him around, but it's probably going to cost them a pretty penny to do so after the big year he's having rushing the passer. He has picked up at least half a sack in eight straight games since Week 4, and his 9.5 sacks in total tie him for fourth in the NFL. Madubuike has emerged as a solid defensive line option in IDP fantasy leagues.
Ravens Bolster Defensive Line With Justin Madubuike
The Baltimore Ravens used the 71st pick in the NFL Draft to add to their already strong defensive line by picking Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. He is a high-motor player who should add to a Ravens defensive front that already allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards last season. At 6-foot-3, 293 pounds, he is a big body to play in the middle of the defensive line, but he boasts plenty of athleticism as well, as evidenced by his 4.83-second 40-yard dash.
