Ravens dt justin madubuike is one of the less talked about, yet highly praised players in the 2024 free agent class. His name may not have the acclaim that pending free agents like chris jones and kirk cousins have, but in a few weeks, his talents will be coveted by the league. Madubuike and captain cam madubuike is the next cam heyward in pittsburgh’s scheme, and one of the teams that know him well is pittsburgh. there is no other free agent who has earned more money than madabuike. As a former third-round pick, his first three years of career was one of a kind and productive lineman.
Madubuike went off in 2023, doubling his previous career record of 74 and registering five more sacks than his previous career total (13). Madubuike’s promotion to the top of the elite pass rusher ranks alongside a pro bowl nod and a second-team all-pro will guarantee him one of the most lucrative deals in this year’s free agency, regardless of his status. – a to z sports free agency franchise typical expected contract: 4 years, $97 million, $24.25 million apy, $62.5 million gtd year one cap hit: $13 million now there’s a fast way for the steelers to make madubuike the next cam heyward.
Heyward is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to make a hefty 16 million dollars, which would be free to use if pittsburgh released him. Heyward isn’t just playing at a low level, but losing one of the most admired players in franchise history who is likely to win hall of fame votes and is fresh off winning the walter payton man of the year award would be a difficult sell to your fanbase. But pittsburgh needs to have the best of both worlds: with some salary cap gymnastics and a new deal for heyward that extends his 2024 salary out or converts it to a signing bonus, the team will be able to manipulate the cap and bring madubuike in as the next great interior defensive lineman in pittsburgh.