Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike’s record-setting $98 million contract, including $75.5 million guaranteed, lasted for sooner or later only because the Kansas City Chiefs signed their longtime and arguably best cornerback within the league, Chris Jones, greater deal. Jones will receive $95 million in guaranteed money, and his annual salary exceeds that of Los Angeles Rams defenseman Aaron Donald, who set the 2022 benchmark for his position at $31.6 million per 12 months.

As stated, offers are for to supply some stability to their teams, although in a totally different way. The Chiefs, who repeated as Super Bowl champions last February, they were looking to maintain their star defenders in the town; In addition to signing Jones to a long-term deal, in addition they franchise-affiliated their star defenseman L’Jarius Sneed, which puts him in the same position to Jones last season. Sneed’s tag will not be exclusive, nonetheless, and allows him to seek advice from other teams and possibly explore trade opportunities. Defense, which had been an issue mark for the Chiefs in previous seasons, became one in every of their biggest strengths because the team won despite poor wing play, largely because of Jones’ dynamic play within the trenches.

Meanwhile, the Ravens view Madubuike as a constructing block on a defense that might look different next season. This helps unlock cap space for the team to handle other positions of need akin to defensive end, outside linebacker, or offensive line in free agency. On March 8, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released an enthusiastic statement to ESPN celebrating the signing of the defensive lineman.

“Justin is one of the best defensive backs in the entire NFL and a cornerstone of our defense,” DeCosta said. “This is a great way to start the new league year!”

Jones celebrated the signing with a brief tweet: “KC…5 more years of greatness! 3x” Although Jones’ annual salary is higher than Donald’s, he ranks fourth within the league in guaranteed money behind San Francisco 49ers defensive back Nick Bosa and his brother, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa, and behind him is Cleveland Browns linebacker finish Myles Garrett. Previously, negotiations with Jones had been tense to the purpose that he missed training camp and missed one regular-season game before reaching an agreement with Kansas City that essentially functioned as a franchise tag.

As Jones’ tweet alludes to, Kansas City is aiming to turn out to be the primary team within the NFL to three-peat for the reason that Green Bay Packers from 1965-1967. As long because the team has Patrick Mahomes under center, Travis Kelce and Jones on the line of defense, they will likely be hard to beat in the event that they could make the playoffs again.

Baltimore is clearly attempting to keep the Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention, and with their very own powerful offense, two-time league MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, and their very own stout defense, they’re one in every of the few teams which are built well enough to challenge history Kansas City. With free agency and the NFL Draft approaching, each teams have been in a position to improve their teams with strong drafting and smart free agent acquisitions, setting the table for one more exciting NFL season.