3 moves Ravens can make with free cap space the NFL just gave them

1. Tag or extend Justin Madubuike

From the day the offseason began, bringing Madubuike back was identified as the top priority for a Ravens defense that ranked near the top of the league in just about every defensive category. Defensive tackles who pile up 13 sacks on their rookie deals don't come around that often.

Madubuike's franchise tag is going to exceed $20 million, and a long-term could easily reach nine figures if they give him a five-year contract. While that is a massive commitment for a player who had one year of truly game-breaking play, Madubuike's ascension last year was too good not to reward with a big contract.

The Baltimore Ravens need to keep Justin Madubuike

Madubuike's internal pressure not only will help new defensive coordinator Zach Orr try to put his own spin on Mike Macdonald's unit, but it would help reinforce a defensive line that currently has their top three sack producers from last year in Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Van Noy all hitting free agency.

If the Ravens can get their former third-round pick in Madubuike to play like he did in 2023 for the rest of his career, he could have the same impact on this defense that elite sack-masters like Aaron Donald, Quinnen Williams, and Chris Jones have had on their respective defenses.