The Baltimore Ravens placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Justin Madubuike following his breakout 2023 campaign, the team announced Tuesday.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement that the team will keep working on an extension for Madubuike ahead of a deadline of July 15.
"We were unable to agree on a contract extension with Justin before the deadline and will use the franchise tag," DeCosta said. "Justin is a great player and person, and we will continue to negotiate a long-term deal with him."
Madubuike's one-year tender will cost $22.1 million.
The 26-year-old was set to hit free agency after producing a career-high 13 sacks, which led all interior defensive linemen and earned him his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nominations.
Madubuike was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft following a standout career at Texas A&M. He had just three total sacks in his first two seasons but flashed his potential in 2022 with a 5.5-sack, 42-tackle campaign.
The defensive tackle would've likely been one of the most in-demand free agents if he was allowed to hit the open market.
