NFL free agency: Looking at the Ravens history with the franchise tag

The moment the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade was completed, the NFL world started to focus entirely on 2025 and the critical offseason that awaits.

As teams around the league prepare for the NFL scouting combine, the franchise tag window opened up on Tuesday and closes on March 4.

Any unrestricted free agent not tagged in that period can sign with any suitor when the new league year and free agency opens on March 12. (The negotiating period, when teams can reach out to agents of potential free agents to start talks, begins March 10).

Eight players were tagged last year, with all but Tee Higgins landing long-term extensions.

Brian Burns was traded to the Giants, and L’Jarius Sneed was traded to the Titans before both players signed massive deals.

With the salary cap soaring to $265-$275 million in 2025, teams will have plenty of money, but Baltimore will have to make key decisions about a handful of critical contributors.

Ronnie Stanley is the only free agent for the Ravens that fits such criteria.

Nnamdi Madubuike –2024

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) enters the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams during the at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Madubuike, 26, bet on himself in the spring of 2023, and he was coming off a breakout season in which he produced a career-high 13 sacks for a Ravens defense that led the NFL with 60 sacks last season. Madubuike totaled more sacks last season than he did in his first three seasons combined (8.5 sacks).

Madubuike’s 13 sacks in 2023 are the fifth-most in a single season by a Baltimore player and are tied for the most by a Ravens defensive tackle.

With All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen likely to depart for a massive free agent deal, retaining Madubuike was the Raven’s biggest priority in a critical offseason that’ll see 26 players test free agency. Madubuike signed a four-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth $98 million with $48.5 million fully guaranteed and $70.5 million in total guarantees. 

Lamar Jackson –2023

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Jackson was the eighth player and first quarterback to get the franchise tag from the Ravens.

The only players who got tagged and didn’t re-sign with the Ravens were offensive lineman Wally Williams (1998) and outside linebacker Matthew Judon (2020).

The non-exclusive tag came with a 2023 salary of $32.4 million, which was about 13 million less than the exclusive tag would have cost.

Last May, Jackson and Ravens GM Eric DeCosta eventually agreed on a five-year extension worth $260 million, with $185 million of his contract guaranteed.

Matthew Judon –2020

Aug 26, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon (99) celebrates after sacking Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (not pictured) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore initially placed the franchise tag on Judon in 2020, and the pass rusher played the year out before making a big move.

The Ravens decided the price for Judon was too hefty and let him enter the free-agent market.

Judon signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the New England Patriots in March 2021, with $32 million guaranteed.

Justin Tucker– 2016

Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Justin Tucker was assigned the franchise tag in 2016 and signed his tender a short time later. But before the season began, the two sides agreed to a four-year contract.

Ray Rice–2016

RB – Ray Rice

Baltimore placed the tag on RB Ray Rice in March 2012 after he posted a career-best 1,364 yards in 2011. Rice signed a five-year, $40 million extension that July.

Haloti Ngata–2011

DT – Haloti Ngata

The Ravens used the franchise tag on DT Haloti Ngata before the 2011 season following back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. Ngata ultimately signed a five-year contract with the team in September 2011.

Terrell Suggs –2008/2009

Oct 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) gets introduced prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

After posting a career-low five sacks in 2007, Suggs was franchised and bounced back with eight sacks and two interceptions in 2008.

After getting tagged again, Suggs signed a six-year, $63 million deal that July.

Chris McAllister –2003/2004

28 Jan 2001: Chris McAlister #21 of the Baltimore Ravens intercepts the ball during the Super Bowl XXXV Game against the New York Giants at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport

McAlister was tagged by the Ravens in 2003. After earning All-Pro honors, the cornerback and the team were not able to come to terms on a new contract before the 2004 season, leading to McAlister being tagged again. He signed a long-term contract in October 2004 on his way to another Pro Bowl berth.

Wally Williams –1998

The Ravens applied the tag to offensive lineman Wally Williams in 1998. He played under the tag for the 1998 season, and then left for the New Orleans Saints in 1999.

The Ravens applied the tag to offensive lineman Wally Williams in 1998. He played under the tag for the 1998 season, and then left for the New Orleans Saints in 1999.