Justin Madubuike broke the bank.
Just three days after the franchise tag was applied, he was guaranteed $22.1 million for one year. He traded it for a nice four-year contract.
According to a source familiar with the terms, the full and accurate details of the transaction are as follows:
1. Signing bonus: $25 million (paid within 10 days of signing).
2. Base salary in 2024: $6 million, fully guaranteed.
3. 2025 Option Bonus: $15 million, fully guaranteed.
4. Base salary in 2025: $7.5 million, fully guaranteed.
6. Base salary in 2026: $22 million, injury guaranteed at signing and fully guaranteed on day five of the 2025 league year.
7. 2027 Roster Bonus: $4 million, paid on the first day of the league year.
8. Base salary in 2027: $18.5 million.
The deal includes $53.5 million fully guaranteed, with an additional $22 million guaranteed after just one season. To avoid owing him $75.5 million, the Ravens would need to cut Madubuike for $53.5 million after one year.
Over 54% of contracts are fully guaranteed at signing. In reality, more than 77% is guaranteed.
Cash flows will be $31 million in one year, $53.5 million in two years, $75.5 million in three years, and $98 million in four years.
Within two years of being tagged (if tagged in 2025), Madubuike would have earned $48.62 million. In return, he will receive $53.5 million.
The four-year contract is worth $98 million, with average annual payments of $24.5 million. This puts him second in the NFL at the defensive tackle position behind Aaron Donald's unicorn contract worth $31.67 million annually.
