Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike Is An 'Elite, Young Defender'

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike has broken out this season and put the league on notice.

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike has been having a breakout season in 2023, putting him in line for a possible big payday in the offseason. 

"He timed this perfectly," Adam Schefter said via the Adam Schefter Podcast. "Baltimore put on a press to sign him this summer, he rolled the dice, he bet on himself like Joe Flacco once did with the Baltimore Ravens, and like Joe Flacco winning, Justin Madubuike is in line to win. He's become one of the elite young defenders in the game. I believe he's on his way to the Pro Bowl this year, if he doesn't go to the Pro Bowl, it's a travesty." 

Madubuike has recorded 37 tackles, 21 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks and a forced fumble through 12 games this season. He has set a career-high in every one of those statistical categories with the exception of tackles, but he is six away from breaking that mark as well. 

Justin Madubuike recorded half a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers, bringing his season total to 10.0 sacks.  / USA Today Sports

He is also the first Ravens defender to record double-digit sacks in a season since seven-time Pro Bowler and Baltimore legend Terrell Suggs had 11.0 sacks in 2017. 

If Madubuike and the Ravens are unable to come to terms on a new contract again, he could get the franchise tag placed on him to keep him in Baltimore. 

"He is a free agent this offseason and I know he won't like to hear this but I would think that the Baltimore Ravens can't let him go and if they can't get him re-signed by then, they'll probably have to use their franchise tag on him," Schefter said. 

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The Ravens currently hold the best record in the AFC at 9-3 heading into their bye week.