K+

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet is seen prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens have re-signed one of their core players to a mammoth contract, days before the new league year officially begins.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens have re-signed star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike to a four-year contract extension worth $98 million, with $75.5 million of it coming in guarantees.

Madubuike’s extension comes three days after the Ravens opted to use the franchise tag on him ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. The franchise tag ensured that Madubuike would not hit the free agent market, and it wound up taking very little time for the two sides to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.

A third-round pick of the Ravens in 2020 (71st overall), Madubuike is coming off a career year in which he tallied 13 sacks, one forced fumble and 56 combined tackles. His efforts helped Baltimore finish as the top team in football with a 13-4 record, though they were upset by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

In 59 career games, Madubuike has five pass defenses, 21.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 153 combined tackles.

With Madubuike extended, the Ravens can now focus on shoring up other needs when free agency begins next Wednesday (4:00 p.m. EST). Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. are among the club’s notable free agents.