NFL Rumors: Christian Wilkins a 'High Priority' for Cardinals in 2024 Free Agency

The only person happier about Justin Madubuike's new deal with the Baltimore Ravens than Madubuike himself is Christian Wilkins because he's about to cash in as the best free-agent defensive tackle on the market.

Per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, the Arizona Cardinals intend to make Wilkins a "high priority" when free agency opens on Wednesday.

Weinfuss did note that Wilkins "may command" more money than the Cardinals are willing to spend, and they could target other options like Leonard Williams, DJ Reader, Grover Stewart or Sheldon Rankins to improve the interior of their defensive line.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Friday that Madubuike agreed to a four-year, $98 million deal with the Ravens that includes $75.5 million in total guarantees.

The contract makes Madubuike the highest-paid defensive tackle by total value and second-highest paid by average annual salary ($24.5 million), trailing only Aaron Donald's $31.7 million per year from the Los Angeles Rams.

Per Spotrac's projected market value, Wilkins is expected to sign a four-year deal worth just under $81 million. The Cardinals could easily afford that deal, as they have $51.8 million in cap space available.

Madubuike had more sacks than Wilkins last season (13 to nine), but Wilkins ranked 13th in ESPN's pass-rush win rate among all defensive tackles. Madubuike wasn't among the top 20 players in that category.

One of the biggest differences between Madubuike and Williams is age. Wilkins isn't an old player, having just turned 28 on Dec. 20, but he's almost two full years older than Madubuike. The Ravens star turned 26 on Nov. 17.

Madubuike is an ascending player coming off the best season of his career. Wilkins also registered career-highs in sacks and quarterback hits (23), but it's plausible he has maxed out his ability.

Granted, that ability is very high and makes Wilkins a potential difference-maker. Dante Stills led all Cardinals defensive tackles with 3.5 sacks last season.