Matthew Judon Signs $16.3 Million Franchise Tag With Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, and another major order of business was completed on Thursday.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, linebacker Matthew Judon signed his franchise tender with the Ravens.

Per the team's official website, Judon is set to make $16.3 million for the 2020 season. The two sides now have until July 15 to agree to terms on a long-term contract.

Judon has been a major contributor on the Ravens defense since entering the NFL in 2016. He's coming off his first Pro Bowl season, having recorded career bests in sacks (9.5) and forced fumbles (four).

The 27-year-old Judon has 28.5 sacks though 62 career games.

The Ravens drafted Judon in the fifth round - 146th overall - in 2016. Legendary executive Ozzie Newsome (now retired) was widely regarded as the best drafting general manager during his tenure with the Ravens.

He consistently found great value in the later rounds, and Judon was a primary example. The latter has emerged as one of the game's best linebackers, and he played an instrumental role in helping Baltimore win the AFC North in 2018 and 2019.

The Ravens had the third-best scoring defense in 2019 under defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale. The unit finished second in that category during the 2018 season, thanks in large part to Judon's efforts.

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Judon isn't the only star that the Ravens will try to sign long-term. Pro Bowl offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley could soon pass Houston Texans standout Laremy Tunsil as the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.

The Ravens had the NFL's best record last season (14-2), thanks to their defense and 2019 league MVP Lamar Jackson. They were eliminated by the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round, however, prompting GM Eric DeCosta to make several big moves.

DeCosta traded for Pro Bowl pass rusher Calais Campbell before drafting studs in linebacker Patrick Queen, running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Devin Duvernay. The pieces are there to win now, and it'd be a nice bonus if they could get Judon under a long-term deal.

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