The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a significant offseason move, setting their sights on a major addition before the 2026 NFL Draft. With the first overall pick in hand, many anticipate the Raiders will address their quarterback needs. However, they’re also making waves by strengthening their offensive line.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders have secured a deal with former Baltimore Ravens standout center, Tyler Linderbaum. This agreement, worth a whopping $81 million over three years, includes $60 million guaranteed, making Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
Linderbaum, known for his role in protecting Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, now brings his talents to Las Vegas. His contract’s annual value of $27 million significantly surpasses that of the next highest-paid interior lineman, Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey, by nearly $9 million.
As the Raiders look to the draft, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be their choice to lead the offense. Mendoza, fresh off guiding the Hoosiers to their first national championship, has been on the radar of Raiders’ owners Mark Davis and Tom Brady, who have spent considerable time with him.
With new head coach Klint Kubiak at the helm, the Raiders’ offense is set for a transformation. Talents like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers are already in place, poised to make an impact in the AFC West.
Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler, was originally drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a stellar career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. His addition to the Raiders signals a commitment to building a formidable line to protect their anticipated new quarterback.