The Baltimore Ravens dropped from No. 2 in the NFL in sacks per game in 2024 to No. 28 in 2025. While most critics blame former defensive coordinator Zach Orr for the decline, they also undermined the absence of superstar defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who missed 15 games with a serious neck injury.
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 14: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns pressures Nnamdi Madubuke #92 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Of course, new head coach Jesse Minter will be happy to have Madubuike back in 2026. Madubuike has 13 sacks in 2023 and 6.5 sacks in 2024, which puts Madubuike second in total sacks per game. Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Odafe Oweh worked in Minter’s scheme last season and had 10 sacks for the Ravens in 2024. Well, simple math clearly shows that the rush problem was not primarily due to poor planning but to personnel changes.
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In 2026, Madubuike is expected to receive a new roster to resurrect his career and continue to wreak havoc on opponents in the trenches. Madubuike wisely made the prudent decision to let his neck heal rather than risk an injury that could easily be worsened by piling up at the line of scrimmage. With a new head coach and a new approach, fans could see Madubuike and the Ravens return to being a defensive powerhouse in 2026. They will certainly want to forget last season. Minter will prioritize addressing the pass rush in 2026, and other rumors about a potential acquisition should give Ravens fans reason for optimism.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens DT Nnamdi Madubuike could return in 2026 to help Jesse Minter