'Trying To Get A Deal Done': Ravens GM Reveals Free Agency Stance On Potential Texans Target Justin Madubuike

Justin Madubuike won't be headed to the Houston Texans unless they're willing to make a trade.

INDIANAPOLIS -- If the Houston Texans plan on adding Justin Madubuike this offseason, it's going to have to come via a trade.

During media sessions at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters that the breakout defensive tackle would likely receive the franchise tag by the March 5 deadline if the two sides can't come to terms on a long-term deal.

The franchise tag for defensive tackles is $22.102 million.

Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

"We're trying to get a deal done," DeCosta said. "We've had discussions with Justin. He's the guy that obviously has put himself in a fortuitous position this year, by the way, that he played. [He] had a great season for us. He's a valued player on the team and we're hopeful that we can get a long-term deal done."

Drafted in the third round after a promising junior campaign at Texas A&M, Madubuike, 26, has become one of the top defensive linemen over the past two seasons. In 2023, Madubuike posted career-highs in sacks (13), tackles for loss (12.5) and quarterback hits (33).

The Ravens bolstered one of the top defensive front sevens that led the league in scoring and sacks. Madubuike's 13 are the fifth-most in a single season by a Baltimore player and are tied for the most by a Ravens defensive tackle.

Madubuike is considered one of the top defensive players set to hit the market, alongside Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Dannielle Hunter.

Pro Football Focus projects the versatile defensive lineman to garner around $23 million annually, making him the fourth-highest-paid defensive tackle behind Los Angeles' Aaron Donald ($31.6 million), New York's Quinnen Williams ($24 million) and Tennessee's Jeffery Simmons (23.5 million).

Houston is exploring options in its trenches after a resurging season headlined by DeMeco Ryans. After finishing dead-last back-to-back years in rushing yards and yards after contact, the Texans finished sixth, allowing just two tailbacks to total over 150 yards.

Sheldon Rankins, Derek Barnett and fellow breakout star Jonathan Greenard are all looking to cash in after stellar seasons in the front seven. Rankins, who inked a one-year contract, could return on a multi-year team-friendly deal and has mentioned his intrigue to return.

'His Value Hasn't Changed': Giants' Joe Schoen Reveals Stance on Texans Target Saquon Barkley

Greenard, who posted a career-high 12.5 sacks, could be looking for a significant pay raise elsewhere. Spotrac projects the fourth-year pass-rusher to earn roughly $13.4 million annually while PFF projects he'll earn

The Texans, who enter free agency with over $67.3 million, could offer the contract Madbuike is looking for. So could the Ravens, and it seems like the latter is more likely to happen, allowing general manager Nick Caserio to cut ties with one option.