The Baltimore Ravens are on a mission to find their next center this offseason. After an all-out effort to keep Tyler Linderbaum, the standout center signed a jaw-dropping $81 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Replacing a three-time Pro Bowler like Linderbaum is no small task.
The Ravens have been busy bolstering their interior offensive line, bringing in Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter. Both players offer versatility across guard and center positions, but neither has yet proven to be starting material.
While having depth is essential, especially when injuries strike, Gwyn and Pinter aren't the ideal candidates to lead the charge in protecting Lamar Jackson in 2026. The absence of Linderbaum looms large, and the challenge ahead feels daunting.
After a 2025 season plagued by injuries, the Ravens knew they had to step up their protection game for Jackson. They've made moves on the coaching front, swapping George Warhop for the highly respected Dwayne Ledford.
They've also signed guard John Simpson, who promises to be an upgrade from last year. Yet, the center position remains a critical gap that needs addressing to keep Jackson healthy and thriving.
Gwyn, a former Atlanta Falcon, brings familiarity with Ledford’s coaching style, but his experience is limited to just 11 offensive snaps in his career. Meanwhile, Pinter, who spent six years with the Indianapolis Colts, has only 10 starts to his name. While both could contribute as backups, Jackson needs more reliable protection at the center position.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has hinted at the team's successful history of drafting centers, suggesting that the draft might be their best bet for finding Linderbaum's successor. If the Ravens are serious about finding a rookie capable of stepping into Linderbaum's shoes, targeting a center in the first three rounds is crucial.
The 2026 draft class boasts promising prospects like Florida’s Jake Slaughter, Auburn’s Connor Lew, Kansas State’s Sam Hecht, and Iowa’s Logan Jones. Even Utah tackle Spencer Fano is considered a potential convert to center.
Though the depth chart looks healthier than last year, the interior offensive line still feels the impact of Linderbaum's departure. The Ravens' front office must make bold moves in the draft to fill this void.
Relying solely on Gwyn and Pinter won't cut it. The search for a solid center continues, and the Ravens know they need to get it right to keep their franchise quarterback protected.