Ravens Push to Retain Star Center Tyler Linderbaum
In the heart of Indianapolis, the Baltimore Ravens are making bold moves to ensure that Tyler Linderbaum, one of the NFL's elite centers, stays with the team. As the 2026 free agency looms, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has confirmed that the organization has put forth a "market-setting" offer to Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler who is poised to be a top free agent this year.
DeCosta shared insights from the NFL scouting combine, emphasizing the importance of securing Linderbaum before the new league year begins. "We've had conversations since the end of the season," DeCosta noted. "And at this point in time, we've made him a market-setting deal proposal, offer, and hopefully we can get something done with him between now and the start of the new league year."
Linderbaum is anticipated to command a hefty $20 million or more annually. Despite the stakes, DeCosta indicated that the Ravens might not resort to the franchise tag if an agreement isn't reached.
Currently, the Kansas City Chiefs' Creed Humphrey holds the title of the highest-paid center at $18 million per season. This sets the stage for Linderbaum's potential new contract.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are eyeing a long-term solution at center, following Graham Glasgow's shift to replace the retired Frank Ragnow. However, the Lions face a financial hurdle, sitting approximately $9 million over the projected salary cap.
Lions GM Brad Holmes discussed the possibility of restructuring veteran contracts to create cap space. Players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, and Penei Sewell all have significant cap numbers for 2026, with Goff's hitting a substantial $69.6 million.
Holmes explained, "We’ve had discussions on those for sure. You're always kind of in a little bit of a waiting mode when you kind of see if [the cap is] going to go up or down or how much room that you may have, but we have had some of those discussions."
The Lions are also planning to allocate some of the cap space for extensions, including those for running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell, making a high-profile center signing less likely.
Other centers in this year's free-agent pool include Buffalo Bills' Connor McGovern, projected at $16.2 million annually, along with Carolina Panthers' Cade Mays and Austin Corbett, and New Orleans Saints' Luke Fortner.
Yet, it's Linderbaum who remains the crown jewel, and DeCosta is committed to keeping him in Baltimore. "Tyler is a guy that I have tremendous respect for," DeCosta stated. "He's proven to be, in my opinion, the best center in the league."
As the clock ticks toward the start of the new league year, all eyes are on the Ravens and Linderbaum's next move.