Justin Madubuike says ‘business is business’ when asked about impending free agency

The Baltimore Ravens saw greatness in Justin Madubuike when they selected the former Texas A&M defensive tackle with the 71st overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Madubuike would play in 10 games with three starts with 19 combined tackles and 1.0 sacks during that Covid-19-plagued season, and it was the beginning of his journey to stardom.

Madubuike has improved every season, and after betting on himself during the 2023 NFL offseason, he’s now on the brink of a lucrative second contract. Although his heart belongs to Baltimore, the defensive tackle stands on “business” first.

“In terms of Baltimore, man, that’s home,” the defensive tackle told NFL.com Friday at Pro Bowl Games practice. “But, you know, business is business, and that side is going to take care of itself.”

Madubuike played out the final season of his rookie contract in 2023, earning a base salary of $2.74 million after turning down a contract extension last spring.

Madubuike had a breakout season in 2023, recording at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games between Weeks 4 to 14, tying the NFL record held by Jared Allen, Chris Jones, Trey Hendrickson, and Shaun Ellis.

In Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Madubuike became the first Raven since 2017 to reach double-digit sacks and was named to his first career Pro Bowl this year while earning All-Pro honors.