The Baltimore Ravens are working to secure center Tyler Linderbaum amid intense interest from other NFL teams as the Scouting Combine begins. Free-agent offers for Linderbaum are expected to surpass $22 million annually, making him one of this year’s most sought-after players.
One team executive described Linderbaum as
“the extension of the coach for most of these teams,”
highlighting his critical role and achievements as a 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler early in his career. The Ravens hope to keep him through a deal similar to last year’s contract extension for left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who attracted a competitive market as well.
Current Contract Offers and Market Interest
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta confirmed on Tuesday that Baltimore has presented a contract offer that sets the market standard for Linderbaum. Despite this, teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants have shown strong interest and are expected to aggressively pursue him. Additional contenders are likely to emerge, as Linderbaum ranks among the top free agents available this offseason.
At present, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey leads centers with a $18 million-per-year contract, but Linderbaum’s free-agent projections indicate he could exceed that figure comfortably due to his outstanding performance and potential.
Linderbaum’s Background and Performance Highlights
Tyler Linderbaum, 25, was a standout player at the University of Iowa, starting for three years and earning first-team All-American honors in both 2020 and 2021. His collegiate accolades include a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021, a second-team nod in 2020, and an honorable mention in 2019. The Ravens selected him 25th overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Linderbaum is entering the final year of a four-year deal worth approximately $13.2 million, which featured a signing bonus of $6.8 million. The Ravens declined his fifth-year option, which was projected to guarantee $23.4 million in 2026, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency the following year.
Recent Play and Rankings
In the 2025 NFL season, Linderbaum started all 17 games at center for the Ravens and appeared in every game. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the fourth-best center out of 37 qualifying players that year, further reinforcing his status as a top-tier lineman. His inclusion in the Top 100 Free Agents for 2026 confirms his value in the upcoming free-agent market.
Implications for the Ravens and League
Linderbaum’s potential contract surpassing $22 million annually would make him one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL, underscoring the Ravens’ challenge in balancing salary commitments while maintaining a strong offensive line. How Baltimore handles this situation may influence future team-building strategies, especially with competition from teams like the Chargers and Giants eager to strengthen their rosters.
The #Ravens remain hopeful they can get a deal done with C Tyler Linderbaum before he reaches the open market, just like they did last year with LT Ronnie Stanley, per sources.
Linderbaum is generating a ton of buzz from teams I’ve spoken to. If he reaches the open market, the… pic.twitter.com/8mOAKACksI
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 24, 2026
