Of all the impending free agents that the Baltimore Ravens have, center Tyler Linderbaum, according to the NFL.com writer Marc Ross, is the player on the team that needs a big raise. Ross explained how the pivot’s importance cannot be underscored.
“Baltimore didn’t pick up Linderbaum’s fifth-year option last offseason — reportedly, it was a financial decision, not a performance-based one — and he responded with his third consecutive Pro Bowl effort, earning Pro Football Focus’ fifth-highest grade among centers. Linderbaum’s strength is in the run game, and he has great synergy with quarterback ???Lamar Jackson???. There’s no way Baltimore should let this highly prized soon-to-be free agent out the door.”
When first-round draft picks perform well, the organization will exercise its fifth-year option. The option is the last year of their rookie contract. The price tag for Linderbaum’s 2026 salary would have escalated due to his play.
The Ravens center would’ve made $23,402,000, the franchise tender for his position. Last season, he made $2,519,674. That level of a raise could force Baltimore to re-examine its current financial structure if it wants to retain Linderbaum’s services for seasons to come.
Tyler Linderbaum Named a Must-Sign for Baltimore
Centers like Linderbaum are rare. At 25, he’s already made three Pro Bowls and continues to establish himself as one of the best players at his position. As a result, that could force Baltimore’s hand into extending him a contract that, in the opinions of many, he deserves.
The Ravens will need to alter their payroll, moving money around to fit Linderbaum’s new salary under the cap. According to Spotrac, the team has $23,375,560 in available cap space. With free agency and the draft approaching, the franchise will have decisions to make.
Meanwhile, a potential hiccup arises. Former head coach John Harbaugh took the reins of the New York Giants on January 20. Harbaugh fully understands Linderbaum’s skill and level of achievement at a younger age. Under those circumstances, the Ravens could find themselves locked in a battle to secure the center’s signature.
Linderbaum’s On-Field Talent Could Key Ravens’ Long-Term Prosperity
Looking at Linderbaum from a physical standpoint, he may not fit the perceived mold of a pivot. At a listed six-foot-two and 305 pounds, Linderbaum also possesses a shorter reach. However, what the former first-rounder does boast is a background in amateur wrestling. In Iowa, high school wrestling is highly regarded. Linderbaum used quickness, awareness, and timing to excel. Linderbaum competed against the top talent in the state, including a future college teammate.
These traits translate to the field, where staying behind your pad level and driving with your core and legs becomes the standard for top-level play. According to PFF, Linderbaum ranks as one of the better centers in the league. For instance, in 1,007 snaps played, he’s allowed just two sacks and committed just five penalties. Similarly, Linderbaum ranked No. 4 of the 40 graded centers in run blocking and No. 22 in pass blocking.
GettyBaltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum competes during a Baltimore Ravens game in 2024.
The Ravens, during the Lamar Jackson Era, have loved to run the ball, with Linderbaum an integral part of the process. With the quarterback locked into a longer contract, should the franchise extend the same courtesy to its center?
GettyBaltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum during a game against teh Cincinnati Bengals.
The Ravens, with Jackson in the backfield and Linderbaum in the front, Baltinore could return to the playoff. Yet, the question of if they retain him via large-money contract, remains to be seen.
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