The Baltimore Ravens strengthened their defensive line at the start of free agency. After a trade for Maxx Crosby was canceled due to a failed physical, the Ravens signed Trey Hendrickson to a big contract. Another player could return to increase the pressure even more.
Nnamdi Madubuike Eases Career-Ending Concerns with Powerful Workout Video
Madubuike is one of the Ravens’ best defensive players, and his impact was sorely missed in 2025; the seriousness of his injury created concerns that he could retire from the NFL. Neck injuries are always difficult to handle, and players such as Eric Wood, Leighton Vander Esch, and Chris Carson have retired due to neck problems.
Great News: Ravens standout DL Nnamdi Madubuike is putting in the work this offseason.
Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury early in the 2025 season. He is looking like he’s in the best shape of his life. 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/BFZL62d8d3 — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 17, 2026
Madubuike, however, could be a pleasing return for the Ravens in 2026. The interior defensive lineman posted a video of a recent strong workout, signaling that he’s preparing to return to the league.
Madubuike played in just two games during the 2025 season. The Ravens had one of the league’s worst pass rushes, with almost no pressure generated through the interior. In the past two seasons, the defender totaled 19.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, while also becoming a standout player against the run.
His best season came in 2023. In the final year of his rookie contract, Madubuike had a breakout season, with 13 sacks and a second-team All-Pro appearance as the Ravens reached the AFC Championship Game.
His strong performance earned a four-year, $98 million contract extension with Baltimore. The Ravens initially placed the franchise tag to keep him from becoming a free agent, but there was no doubt that he was going to stay in Baltimore.
Madubuike was also voted a Pro Bowler in 2023 and 2024.
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Our PFSN Defense Impact Metric ranked the Ravens’ unit as No. 18 during the 2025 season. Despite one of the best secondaries in the league, the inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks led to a poor overall performance, and the defense allowed an average of 23.4 points per game.
Madubuike’s return, along with the signing of Trey Hendrickson and a possible return for Kyle Van Noy, could make this group much stronger than in 2025. The Ravens are expected to be a contender in 2026, but they can’t have the same problems hitting quarterbacks if they want to win a Super Bowl.
