3 teams who could steal Justin Madubuike away from Ravens in free agency

The Baltimore Ravens need to be very aggressive in free agency if they want to maintain many of the more important pieces from last season's AFC Championship squad. Perhaps the most important among them is defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who enjoyed a career year in 2023.

Madubuike put up a preposterous 13 sacks this season, taking him from another average mid-round pick to a player who is, without question, one of the best at his position. Even with so many free agents, the Ravens would be very foolish to let someone with Madubuike's skill leave the squad.

Madubuike has such a strong year that not only is there a good chance that he gets a multi-year contract, but the Ravens may also let names like Patrick Queen leave in order to get the money needed to pay him. Slapping the franchise tag on him is also very much in consideration for Eric DeCosta.

However, if Baltimore chooses not to pin the franchise tag on him, these three teams could be circling overhead and trying to get a piece of him on the open market. If Madubuike becomes an unrestricted free agent, the bidding way that could erupt may end with him leaving the Ravens.

3 teams who could sign Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike in free agency

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags need to figure out what to do with Josh Allen and Calvin Ridley before they consider making a run at Madubuike, but Shad Khan has shown a willingness to spend in free agency in the past. If they choose to pay one of those two and make some cap-saving cuts elsewhere, Madubuike could head to North Florida.

Allen and Travon Walker are solid edges, but the teeth of that defensive line was suspect all season long. Even if Madubuike never becomes the elite run-defender his style of play may prohibit him from evolving into, he will get pressure up the gut for a Jaguars defense that went invisible to close out the year.

The Baltimore Ravens could lose Justin Madubuike to the Jaguars

New Jacksonville DC Ryan Nielsen helped squeeze another excellent season out of former Ravens DT Calais Campbell while also getting the most out of Grady Jarrett when he was healthy. His scheme could help Madubuike get the most out of himself on the field.

While few, if any, teams with cap space can offer Madubuike a better shot at competing for Super Bowls in the next few years, the fact that he could join a Jaguars team that could still be viewed by many as the top dog in the AFC South for years to come might be enough to help him wrap his head around wearing teal in Duval County.