Sources: Ravens, Justin Madubuike agree to 4-year, $98M deal،
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens completed a major win-win deal for the franchise Friday night, signing their sack leader to a record long-term deal and freeing up much-needed salary cap space just before the start of the season. free agency.
The Ravens announced they have agreed to a four-year deal with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who set a career high last season with 13 sacks.
The deal is worth $98 million, including $75.5 million total in guarantees and $53.5 million at signing, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
This is a record for defensive tackles in terms of total guarantees and guaranteed money at signing. His average of $24.5 million per year is just behind Aaron Donald ($31.6 million).
“Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone of our defense,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “It’s a great way to start the new championship year!”
The Ravens had placed the franchise tag on Madubuike Tuesday to ensure he would not reach free agency. Now, Baltimore retains its top defensive lineman and has cap flexibility just three days before the legal tampering period of free agency begins.
Under that label, Madubuike would have counted $22 million against the cap, which would have put the Ravens $10 million over the cap. With Madubuike's new deal, Baltimore could gain around $10 million in cap space, which could allow the team to be more active in free agency.
The Ravens head into free agency and need a No. 1 running back as well as offensive line help and a pass rush.
This Madubuike deal continues the Ravens' trend of keeping their franchise-tagged players long-term. Baltimore has reached overtime with seven of the nine players they have scored in franchise history.
