Tyler Linderbaum Could Spark Free Agency Tug-of-War Between Giants and Browns
With Todd Monken stepping into the head coaching role in Cleveland, the Browns just added a major piece to their football brain trust - and potentially, a leg up in the race for one of the most coveted centers in the game. Tyler Linderbaum, the Baltimore Ravens’ standout anchor in the middle, is set to hit free agency, and both the Browns and Giants have compelling reasons to make a run at him.
Let’s start with the basics: Linderbaum is 25 years old, has three Pro Bowl selections in four seasons, and has never finished outside the top six at his position, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s not just consistency - that’s elite-level performance from a player still entering his prime.
But here’s where things get interesting: Baltimore declined his fifth-year option. That decision raised eyebrows, especially considering the option would’ve paid him roughly $5 million more than the league’s current highest-paid center, Creed Humphrey. Whether it was a cap calculation or a sign the Ravens are preparing to move on, the result is the same - Linderbaum is trending toward the open market.
And he won’t come cheap.
Giants Have the Need, Browns Have the Familiarity
The New York Giants should be one of the first teams in line. Their current center, John Michael Schmitz, struggled mightily in his rookie season.
The 2023 second-rounder never cracked the top 28 at the position in PFF’s rankings, and the tape backs it up - missed assignments, trouble with leverage, and inconsistent communication up front. That’s a tough sell for a team trying to stabilize an offensive line that’s been in flux for years.
Linderbaum would represent a massive upgrade - not just in performance, but in leadership and experience. And there’s a built-in connection: new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Linderbaum in Baltimore. That familiarity could be a major draw.
But Cleveland has a compelling case of its own.
The Browns’ current center, Ethan Pocic, had a promising stretch from 2021 to 2023, but his play dipped last season before a season-ending injury. His future as a reliable starter is murky.
Enter Todd Monken, who worked closely with Linderbaum during his time as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. If Monken wants to bring a trusted piece of his old system with him to Cleveland, Linderbaum fits the bill perfectly.
A Battle Brewing Between AFC North Alumni
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. For both the Giants and Browns, Linderbaum could be a foundational piece - the kind of player who sets the tone in the trenches and gives a quarterback the confidence to step up in the pocket. Whether it’s Daniel Jones in New York or whoever ends up under center in Cleveland, having a center like Linderbaum is a game-changer.
And don’t underestimate the organizational ties. Both Harbaugh and Monken know exactly what Linderbaum brings - not just on the field, but in the locker room and meeting rooms. That shared history could create a fascinating dynamic in free agency, with two former Baltimore coaches now vying for the same guy.
What’s Next?
If Linderbaum does hit the open market, expect the bidding to get intense. Centers of his caliber rarely become available, especially ones with his resume and age. Whether he ends up in East Rutherford or Cleveland - or somewhere else entirely - one thing’s for sure: he’s going to command top dollar.
And for the teams that miss out? Well, they might be left wondering what could’ve been - especially if Linderbaum continues his All-Pro trajectory in a new uniform.
Free agency is just around the corner. Buckle up.