Ravens Re-Sign Justin Madubuike To Huge Four-Year Deal

The Baltimore Ravens had arguably the best defense in football last season.

Now, a key piece of that unit is re-signing with the team.

The Ravens announced that defensive tackle Justin Madubuike agreed to sign a new four-year, $98 million contract. The contract also includes $53.5 million guaranteed at signing and another $22 million guaranteed across the four-year deal.

Madubuike led the Ravens in sacks last season, setting a career-high with 13. He led a Ravens defensive unit that ranked first in total defense, 14th in rushing defense and sixth in passing defense.

Only Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald receives a higher average pay per year at $31.6 million. While Madubuike’s $24.5 million average per year over this new contract isn’t a record-setting deal, the total guaranteed money and guaranteed money at signing is the most ever for a defensive tackle.

Bringing back a key component of the defense will be key for the Ravens as they seek another run at the Super Bowl, a game they have not participated in since the 2012 season. Despite being the No. 1 seed in the AFC last season, they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game to fall short of playing in the big game.

Signing Madubuike to a new contract instead of using the franchise tag also helps the Ravens financially – the new deal will allow Baltimore to gain approximately $10 million in cap space.

Article by Benji Ferraro