Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has agreed to a contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday afternoon. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the extension is for four years and is worth $98 million with $75.5 million in guarantees and $53.5 million at signing.
The extension comes just days after the Ravens had used the franchise tag on Madubuike. Madubuike’s average annual value is $24.5 million, second only to Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams ($31.6 million).
“We are pleased to announce a four-year extension with Justin Madubuike," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone on our defense. We are thrilled for Justin and his family and equally happy for our fanbase. This is a great way to start the new league year!"
Madubuike’s extension is good for the Ravens. He is one of the top defensive tackles in the league. Last season he had personal bests in tackles (56), sacks (13), which led the Ravens and all defensive tackles in the league, tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33), and forced fumbles (2). He made the Pro Bowl for the first time and was second-team All-Pro.
With Madubuike’s extension, the Ravens gain about $10 million in cap space instead of being $10 million over the cap. That will allow the Ravens to be more active in free agency. Keeping Madubuike means the Ravens can build their defense around him as they may lose linebacker Patrick Queen and their other linebackers in free agency.
Madubuike staying is a big step for the Ravens' hopes to return to the AFC Championship game for the second year in a row. Whether they can topple the dyansty that is the Kansas City Cheifs is yet to be determined, but keeping "Madabeast," around will go a long way in getting Baltimore to that goal.