The Baltimore Ravens’ top in-house free agent target is defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who is coming off a career season where he became a staple along the Baltimore defensive line.

The Ravens have the option of using the franchise tag on Madubuike to keep him in the fold for one more season while they work on a long-term deal.

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With the tag, Madubuike would play the 2024 season for an estimated $21 million, ranking only behind quarterbacks and linebackers with regard to franchise tag cost. The former Texas A&M Aggie made just $2.7 million last season.

With some creative salary cap management, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley – which teams often resort to when they’re short – Baltimore can restructure tight end Mark Andrews and safety Marcus Williams to free up around $26 million in cap room. The league allows teams to convert some salary into bonuses, lowering the cap hit for that player.

Another option Baltimore would have per Hensley is to offer pay cuts to offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and corner Marlon Humphrey. Both have underperformed due to injuries and have two of the five highest salaries on the team.

Humphrey is due to make $11.75 million while Stanley is scheduled to receive $11 million.