As free agency approaches, Tyler Linderbaum stays one in every of the highest players on target to achieve the open market. The Pro Bowl center remains to be in Baltimore’s plans at this point, though.
Last spring, the Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option. That move got here as little surprise since option values are determined by grouping together all offensive linemen. The identical can be true of the franchise tag, leaving it as an unfeasible technique of Baltimore keeping Linderbaum within the fold. Whether or not a long-term deal will be worked out over the approaching weeks stays to be seen.
“We’ve got some work to do on Tyler Linderbaum’s contract,” general manager Eric DeCosta acknowledged during an appearance on the Inner Circle podcast (video link). “He’s a free agent. We strongly hope to have him back. He’s an excellent player for us and an excellent leader.”
Linderbaum expressed a desire to stay in Baltimore shortly after the team’s 2025 season ended. Based on DeCosta’s comments, the sensation is mutual. Baltimore has other matters to take care of from a financial standpoint in time without spending a dime agency, nonetheless. Essentially the most pressing one is a restructuring of quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s contract; until and unless that takes place, the Ravens’ cap flexibility will likely be unclear. The team’s ability to authorize a serious Linderbaum extension will hinge largely on its success in carving out space for 2026.
Seven centers are currently attached to a median annual value of not less than $10MM. That list will soon grow, as Linderbaum is a robust candidate to reset the market. The Iowa product could easily top $18MM per yr, which is the worth of Creed Humphrey‘s Chiefs pact. Entering his age-26 season and having missed only two games thus far in his profession, Linderbaum can have no shortage of suitors if he tests the open market.
The Ravens could have a veteran contingency in place in the shape of Connor McGovern should Linderbaum head elsewhere in March. Their preference would little question be to keep up the establishment at the middle spot, and it’ll be interesting to see if progress on the negotiating table will be made shortly.