Will Ravens be able to extend breakout star on defense?

The Ravens (8-3) are one of the hottest teams in the NFL as they sit atop the AFC. A big reason why is because their defense is playing lights out with the help of one of their breakout stars.

That player is DT Justin Madubuike, Baltimore's third-round pick in 2020. The fourth-year defensive lineman is having a career year with 36 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the season.

However, his contract is up after the season. Will Baltimore extend him?

It won't be easy as several other key players, such as RB Gus Edwards, WR Odell Beckham Jr., guard Kevin Zeitler, DT Michael Pierce and LB Patrick Queen, are set to become free agents following the 2023 season. 

Paying QB Lamar Jackson his five-year, $260M mega-contract last offseason will only make things more challenging as well.

The Ravens should still do everything they can to reward Madubuike for his breakout campaign. The 26-year-old is expected to receive a three-year, $55.37M deal, per Spotrac. However, the franchise tag is always an option to prevent him from reaching free agency.

Baltimore is projected to have around $13.83M in cap space next season, which doesn't give fans a ton of confidence an extension will happen. The team will likely make other moves like cuts or contract reconstructions to make more space.

Either way, Madubuike is going to get paid, whether it's by the Ravens or another team. The defensive tackle market saw considerable gains in 2023 with Jets' Quinnen Williams, Titans' Jeffery Simmons, Commanders' Daron Payne, Giants' Dexter Lawrence and Bills' Ed Oliver all receiving big paydays. Madubuike is surely the next in line.