Ravens GM Eric DeCosta reveals plans to franchise tag Justin Madubuike if contract talks fail

The Baltimore Ravens may not get a long-term deal done with star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, but they’re certainly not letting him walk into free agency next month. Discussing Madubuike’s situation with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, general manager Eric DeCosta revealed that the team plans to put the franchise tag on the tackle if no deal can be reached.

The NFL’s franchise tag deadline is March 5, which gives the Ravens less than a week to either ink the former third-round draft pick to a long-term deal or place the tag on him. Franchise tag figures came out this week, revealing that it will cost Baltimore roughly $20.9 million to secure Madubuike for at least one more season.

The franchise tag can be used to secure a player’s contract for an additional season at the pre-set value — a number determined by averaging the top five contract amounts at that position in the league. Though four players received franchise tags last season, only one player actually agreed to play on it. Even if the Ravens tag Madubuike before the deadline, they can continue negotiating a larger deal.

Franchise tag decisions loom large this week

Only one team has announced a franchise tag decision so far before the deadline. The Cincinnati Bengals have tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins for the 2024 season. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering placing one on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and the Panthers will potentially use one on edge rusher Brian Burns.

Among a stacked group of Ravens defenders, Madubuike led in sacks with a career-high 13 this season. He also added 56 total tackles and two forced fumbles while helping Baltimore reach 13-4. The Ravens selected him No. 87 overall out of Texas A&M in 2020. Since then, he’s tallied 21.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in four seasons.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.