There might be loads of eyes on Justin Madubuike’s free company this offseason. The 26-year-old defensive sort out is coming off a season by which he had 13 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
If he continues on that trajectory after a breakout season, Madubuike might find yourself being one of many greatest defensive players in NFL history. Evidently, the Ravens want to hold him, however that received’t be straightforward if he hits the open market.
Which Groups Need Justin Madubuike This Offseason?
Baltimore has the choice of utilizing the franchise tag on him, which might make sure that he performs for the Ravens in 2024. Signing him to a long-term extension would do the identical as effectively.
But when neither of these issues occurs, Madubuike could be among the many most sought-after NFL free brokers this offseason. Assuming that’s the case, let’s look carefully at Justin Madubuike’s free company and what groups might be his largest suitors.
Bengals
Heading into the offseason, the Bengals are among the many leaders regarding teams with cap space and cash to spend. There’s additionally little doubt that Cincinnati would like to poach a star participant from considered one of its largest rivals.
The Bengals are set to lose DJ Reader in free company, so there’s a gap on their protection for a defensive sort out. Madubuike would absolutely be an improve over Reader, which is why such a transfer could be a win for Cincinnati in each potential approach.
Lions
Contemporary off a visit to the NFC Championship Sport and with some huge cash to spend, search for the Lions to be lively in free company. The Detroit offense is robust proper now, however the protection has room for enchancment. Including a Professional Bowler like Madubuike would give the Detroit protection an enormous raise.
Granted, the Lions have already got loads of expertise on their line of defense after utilizing a number of early-round draft picks on these positions in recent times. However Dan Campbell is aware of that there’s no such factor as being too robust within the trenches. With Madubuike added to a gaggle that additionally consists of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions might doubtlessly have top-of-the-line defensive strains in soccer, which might be definitely worth the funding in a free agent like Madubuike.
Texans
The Texans are in an attention-grabbing place this offseason. They made nice strides in 2023 however have half a dozen defensive starters about to hit free company. That provides them a number of holes to plug this offseason. But, there’s no denying the enchantment of including a participant like Madubuike, particularly with Sheldon Rankins set to turn out to be a free agent.
Houston believes that Will Anderson Jr. will turn out to be an elite pass-rusher within the years to return. Placing a participant like Madubuike on the line of defense subsequent to him would assist Anderson and lay a robust basis for Houston’s protection heading into 2024.
Jaguars
Earlier than the Jaguars do something in free company, they’ve to determine if retaining star go rusher Josh Allen is within the playing cards. But when Jacksonville loses Allen, don’t be shocked if the Jags pivot and go after Madubuike.
The 2 don’t play the identical place, though Madubuike would strengthen Jacksonville’s line of defense and assist the skin go rushers that Jacksonville brings in to interchange Allen.
Seahawks
With former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald being employed as Seattle’s new head coach, the Seahawks have turn out to be a viable choice for Madubuike. It was Macdonald’s scheme that helped to carry out the perfect in Madubuike this previous season, so the 2 clearly have a degree of consolation with each other.
In fact, that received’t be the one issue that Madubuike considers as a free agent. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the Seahawks have just a little bit of cash to play with this offseason. If Macdonald believes Madubuike might be an essential a part of the Seattle protection, the Seahawks might find yourself making a robust push to signal him.
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