Lamar Jackson ought to leave if defensive tackle Justin Madubuike contract is….

The Ravens have reached a four-year contract extension agreement with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike following the decision to utilize the franchise tag on him.

The Baltimore Ravens have officially inked a four-year contract extension with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on Friday, just three days after designating him with the franchise tag.

Expressing his satisfaction, General Manager Eric DeCosta stated, “Justin is one of the premier defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone of our defense. We are thrilled for Justin and his family and equally pleased for our fan base. This marks an excellent beginning to the new league year!”

With the new league year set to commence next Wednesday, the Ravens had already taken steps to retain Madubuike by employing the franchise tag, which amounted to a one-year cost of slightly over $22 million for defensive tackles.

DeCosta had previously indicated the team’s intent to pursue a long-term contract with Madubuike, and negotiations progressed swiftly. Last season, the Ravens employed the franchise tag on star quarterback Lamar Jackson before securing a long-term deal with him shortly thereafter.

On Thursday, another player who received the franchise tag, Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, also agreed to a four-year deal to remain with the team.

Madubuike’s impressive performance last season, during which he registered 13 sacks, positioned him for a significant new contract. He surpassed his previous career best and played a pivotal role in Baltimore’s formidable defense.

Selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2020 draft, Madubuike elevated to a regular starter in his second season, with his sack totals escalating each year. In 2023, the final season of his rookie contract, he earned second-team All-Pro recognition for a team that secured the league’s best regular-season record.

Madubuike also equaled an NFL record by securing at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games.

Following their defeat in the AFC championship game, the Ravens confront a complex offseason, with several key players including linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, and running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, all scheduled to become free agents.