If you’re looking for a tone-setter in the trenches this offseason, look no further than Tyler Linderbaum. The Baltimore Ravens' Pro Bowl center is expected to hit the free agent market, and two AFC West rivals - the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders - are poised to make a serious run at him.
Let’s start with the résumé. Since entering the league in 2022, Linderbaum has not only anchored one of the NFL’s most physical offensive lines, but he’s done it with consistency that’s rare at the position.
Three Pro Bowl nods in as many seasons. Fewer than three sacks allowed in any single year.
And during a two-season stretch from 2022 to 2023? Not a single sack surrendered.
That’s elite-level pass protection from the pivot - something both the Raiders and Chargers desperately need.
For the Raiders, it’s about upgrading a unit that struggled to hold its ground in pass protection. Jordan Meredith handled most of the snaps at center last season, and while he wasn’t a glaring weakness, he didn’t exactly solidify the interior.
Enter Linderbaum, who would bring immediate stability to the position and fit seamlessly into what’s expected to be a new-look offense under incoming head coach Klint Kubiak. With left tackle Kolton Miller already in place, adding Linderbaum would give Las Vegas a strong foundation up front - especially if they want to lean into a zone-blocking scheme that takes advantage of Linderbaum’s athleticism and foot speed in space.
But if we’re talking fit, the Chargers might be an even better match.
Los Angeles had its own issues at center last season with Bradley Bozeman, whose struggles in both run and pass protection were well-documented. With Jim Harbaugh now at the helm and Mike McDaniel taking over as offensive coordinator, the Chargers are expected to emphasize a physical, run-first identity that also incorporates creative zone and motion concepts.
That’s where Linderbaum shines. He’s not just a technician - he’s a tone-setter.
His ability to win leverage battles, get to the second level, and keep a clean pocket for Justin Herbert makes him a plug-and-play upgrade.
And let’s not forget the financial side of this. Both the Raiders and Chargers are projected to be among the top five teams in available cap space this offseason. That sets the stage for a potential bidding war between division rivals - and with Linderbaum projected to command a four-year deal worth over $70 million, it’ll take a serious investment to land him.
But for either team, it could be money well spent. Centers don’t always get the spotlight, but when you find a guy who can anchor your line, elevate your run game, and protect your franchise quarterback? That’s a cornerstone piece.
Whether it’s Las Vegas looking to solidify a shaky interior or Los Angeles trying to give Herbert the protection he needs to thrive in a new system, Linderbaum could be the answer. And if he does hit the open market, expect both teams to come calling - hard.