The Baltimore Ravens are expected to franchise tag defensive tackle Justin Madubuike if an extension isn’t reached by the March 5 deadline, general manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday.

“We’re trying to get a deal done. We’ve had discussions with Justin,” DeCosta told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“He’s a guy that’s obviously 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.”

Asked about using the franchise tag if necessary, DeCosta replied: “I probably will, yes.”

Coming off his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Madubuike would earn $22.1 million in 2024 while playing under the franchise tag.

A third-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft, Madubuike is set to become a free agent this offseason after finishing out his four-year, $4.85 million rookie deal last season.

Madubuike, 26, started all 17 games in 2023 and delivered 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits and 56 tackles. He has 21.5 sacks and 153 tackles in 59 career games (47 starts).

–Field Level Media