3 reasons Ravens star Justin Madubuike deserved $98 million payday

1. Maximizes Super Bowl window

Trite as it may be, it's no less true. Madubuike staying in Baltimore prevents him from going to the highest bidder in the AFC. Multiple contenders could have had their eyes on Madubuike, which would have both hurt Baltimore and given a rival an All-Pro performer at a key area.

The Texans were linked to Madubuike, a Dallas native, if the Ravens let him hit the open market, and multiple big-name analysts tried to sell the public on Madubuike joining the rival Bengals. Madubuike is back in Baltimore, which is needed in the very competitive AFC.

Justin Madubuike keeps the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC

The Ravens should be willing to throw caution to the wind in the next few years. Lamar Jackson has a few more prime seasons left, and Baltimore would be doing everyone a disservice if they don't spend every last penny and make every relevant cap cut with the aim of building the league's most complete roster on both sides of the ball.

In an AFC with emerging contenders like the Texans and Dolphins, venerable foes like the Bengals and Chiefs, and potential disruptors like the Bills and Jets, the Ravens' hold on the top spot in the conference is tenuous, at best. Madubuike committing for the last four years shows that management is going all-in on this title push.