Ravens’ Standout Pass Rusher May Head to the Cardinals During the Offseason
Brock Purdy 49ers QBp is being pressured by Ravens DT Justin Madubuike.
As one of the top defensive units in the league right now, the Baltimore Ravens have caused nightmares for opposing offenses. However, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who is having a great season, could be lost in the 2024 summer.
Arizona’s top priority in free agency this offseason should be Madubuike.” This season, the defensive lineman has served as the cornerstone of the Ravens’ d-line and has been an incredible wrecking ball.
They need help at interior defensive line, and he’s having an outstanding season with 12 sacks and 11 TFL.” In his fourth season, Madubuike has set career highs in tackles, sacks, and quarterback hits.
In addition, Madubuike is playing a record-breaking 67% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps, which is a record number of snaps played.
Justin Madubuike Would Be a Young Building Block
To remedy their dismal play, the Cardinals need a playmaker on the defensive line. The Cardinals rank 26th in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed, respectively, according to Pro Football Reference.
Upon his arrival, Madubuike would instantly enhance every player in their present lineup. With 6.0 sacks, linebacker Dennis Gardeck presently leads the club; Madubuike would more than quadruple that total.
Leading the team and providing versatility, Madubuike comes from one of the league’s top defenses. “The current Raven has plenty of experience playing over the tackle to fit into the Cardinals’ defense and has the skill set to be successful from a wider alignment, even though he primarily lines up over the guard in Baltimore’s scheme.”
The four-year veteran would fit in with the organization’s youth movement, as he turned 26 in November.” With the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arizona has the potential to add Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a powerful weapon.
The Cardinals might make a speedy turnaround with a core that includes QB Kyler Murray (26), WR Michael Wilson (23), TE Trey McBride (24), and whoever they acquire with their choice.
Baltimore Canβt Afford to Lose Their Breakout Star
According to Pro Football Reference, the Ravens’ defense is presently rated first in terms of points allowed and fourth in terms of yards allowed. An essential component of making that defense function is Madubuike.
He is the team leader in sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for loss, and total tackles among all Ravens linemen. He is a disruptive force on the line. He will thus secure himself a large deal.
According to Spotrac’s market valuation tool, Texas A&M’s product is expected to bring in $55 million over three years. That might not even be sufficient to secure the star a contract, though.
Two players that Spotrac compares Madubuike to are Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne and New York Jets DT Quinten Williams. Both players got four-year contracts, which may be a better sign of what the DT will be requesting.
Regretfully, with only $11.7 million in anticipated cap space, the Ravens will be in a difficult financial situation. Madubuike will be at the top of the list even though they have a lot of free agents to deal with.
The DT might be franchised by the Ravens, but it might not go over well and cause friction between the parties. On the other hand, this move might buy the Ravens a little more time to figure out a way to retain the big man in purple and black.
The Ravens will have to replace a significant void at an already depleted position if they are unable to reach an agreement.
