The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a major overhaul of their offensive line, and the upcoming NFL Draft might see them targeting a tackle in the first round. With veteran Joel Bitonio contemplating retirement, the Browns could also be on the lookout for a new left guard.
As free agency looms, Wyatt Teller, Cam Robinson, and Ethan Pocic are all set to test the waters. While Teller might stick around, the Browns are likely to part ways with the underperforming Robinson. As for Pocic, exploring upgrades in free agency could be a smart move for the team.
Enter Tyler Linderbaum, a standout center poised to hit free agency. With Todd Monken now part of the Browns' coaching staff, there's a potential advantage in pursuing Linderbaum, as noted by 92.3 The Fan's Andy Baskin.
“With Monken here, you’d love to see them go after Tyler Linderbaum. If Andrew Berry wants to get a huge win, going and getting Linderbaum would be a huge win,” Baskin remarked.
However, the Ravens won't make it easy for the Browns to snag Linderbaum. He's currently one of the top centers in the league, boasting an impressive 80.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among 40 eligible players this season. His run-blocking prowess is equally notable, with an 83.7 grade, the fourth-highest in the league.
Despite this, the Ravens are unlikely to use their franchise tag on Linderbaum due to the hefty $28 million price tag it would carry in 2026. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has mentioned a "market-setting" offer on the table, but Linderbaum's camp might have different ideas about his worth. With connections like John Harbaugh, now with the Giants, and Monken, the Browns could find themselves in a bidding war.
Luring Linderbaum to Cleveland would require some financial maneuvering, including possibly restructuring Deshaun Watson's contract to clear cap space. Monken's hiring of former Ravens offensive line coach George Warhop could also be a strategic advantage, offering Linderbaum continuity in coaching and schemes.
While securing Linderbaum is a long shot given his market value, his potential impact on the Browns' offensive line could be transformative. Dominating the trenches is key in the NFL, and Linderbaum could be the cornerstone the Browns need for the next decade.