3 high-priority free agents the Ravens must bring back in 2024

1. DT Justin Madubuike

Madbuike may have had one of the best contract years in NFL history, as somewhat mixed reviews on the former third-round pick turned into universal acclaim after he recorded 13 sacks. Madubuike is ready to cash in, and he made it clear the Ravens need to pay up if they want him back.

On the open market, Madubuike could easily get a deal similar to what San Francisco's Javon Hargrave earned in the 2023 free agency blitz. Rivals like the Bengals have been projected as a possible fit for his services, underscoring just how seismic a loss he would be for Zach Orr and his defense.

The Baltimore Ravens must sign Justin Madubuike.

The franchise tag is hated by players across the league, and this year's defensive tackle tag will cost Baltimore over $20 million per season if they want to hold on to the former Texas A&M star. Even with all of those factors taken into account, this offseason will be a massive failure if Madubuike is not back for at least the 2024 season.

While some might have doubts about the idea of making a player with exactly one above-average season (an All-Pro one, grated) out of four the most important defensive linemen on the team, interior tackles that can get pressure without forcing the defense to blitz heavily are more critical now than ever.

Even if Madubuike is 75% as good as he was last year, he should be back in the Pro Bowl.