OWINGS MILLS  — The Ravens and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike agreed to a four-year contract extension on Friday.

The deal is worth $98 million deal over four years, but the first-year cap number will be about $11 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.  The new contract comes just three days after the Ravens placed the franchise tag Madubuike, which would have cost them $22.1 million next season.

“We are pleased to announce a four-year extension with Justin Madubuike,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “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 fan base. This is a great way to start the new league year.”

With the deal, the Ravens can spread out the yearly salary and add more money to the salary cap. It also secured one of the best young defensive players in the NFL.

Last season, Madubuike, 26, started all 17 games for the Ravens, producing career highs in tackles (56), sacks (13), tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33) and forced fumbles (2), en route to earning his first Pro Bowl honors and second-team All-Pro honors.

His 13 sacks led the Ravens and all NFL defensive tackles last season, while he also tied the NFL single-season record by registering at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games.

Madubuike was drafted in the third round (71st overall) of the 2020 NFL draft from Texas A&M and has spent his entire career in Baltimore. Madubuike has played in 59 games (47 starts), recording 153 tackles (97 solo), 29 tackles for loss, 21 1/2 sacks, 5 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles.

 

   MORE RAVENS HEADLINES

   TOP ORIOLES HEADLINES