Tyler Linderbaum Contract Talks Heat Up Ahead of Deadline

NFL
By Birendra Singh
Tyler Linderbaum contract negotiations
Tyler Linderbaum contract negotiations ongoing between Ravens and agent. [Image Source: FIRSTCOASTNEWS]

The Baltimore Ravens are actively working to finalize a contract extension with center Tyler Linderbaum as the deadline approaches. General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed the organization’s strong desire to keep Linderbaum, noting there is still progress to be made before reaching an agreement.

Insider Ian Rapoport from NFL Network shared insight into the ongoing discussions, explaining that negotiations are underway. He compared DeCosta’s persistent approach to that of Eagles GM Howie Roseman, emphasizing Baltimore‘s aggressive pursuit of the deal.

DeCosta’s previous success with contract extensions, such as the three-year agreement with left tackle Ronnie Stanley shortly before last year’s free agency, provides a precedent for pulling off a similar deal with Linderbaum, who is among the league’s top pending free agents this year. The legal free agency tampering period is set to begin on March 9.

Linderbaum’s Upcoming Contract Could Set New Standards for NFL Centers

The upcoming contract for Tyler Linderbaum is poised to reshape the salary landscape for centers across the NFL. Currently, the highest-paid player at the position is Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs, who secured a four-year contract valued at $72 million in 2024, averaging $18 million annually. Linderbaum’s new deal has the potential to exceed that benchmark, given his rising status in the league and role within the Ravens’ offense.

Tyler Linderbaum
Image of: Tyler Linderbaum

Ravens Eye Wide Receiver in First Round of NFL Draft

In preparation for the draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Ravens will select a wide receiver with their first-round pick. His updated mock draft projects Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson going to Baltimore at No. 14, replacing Kiper’s earlier pick of USC’s Makai Lemon.

Kiper argues that the Ravens will be seeking a strong outside receiver capable of catching numerous targets from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Acquiring Tyson would enable current wide receiver Zay Flowers to move into the slot position, where he excels. Tyson’s 2025 season statistics include eight touchdown catches, with notable prowess on contested receptions backed by his 6-foot-2 frame and strength.

This selection would mark the sixth time since 2015 that Baltimore has used a first-round pick on a pass-catching player, signaling the team’s ongoing commitment to bolstering their passing game.

NFL Executive Questions Replay Decision Affecting Ravens-Steelers Game

NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent recently expressed doubts about a pivotal replay reversal during the Week 14 Ravens-Steelers matchup. The overturned touchdown catch by Ravens’ Isaiah Likely near the end of the game remains a highly disputed call.

Vincent identified about five plays from the 2025 season, including Likely’s catch, that the league wishes could be reconsidered. Specifically, the overturned touchdown involved a debate over Likely’s “third step” and whether the ball extended beyond the goal line.

The reversed touchdown had significant consequences as the Steelers eventually won the game 27-22, gaining control of the AFC North division.

Commentators Tony Romo and Jim Nantz voiced their opinions during the broadcast, both agreeing the catch appeared to be a touchdown.

To me, that seemed like a touchdown.

?Tony Romo

I agree, Tony. Looked like a touchdown to me.

?Jim Nantz

Sports analyst Mike Florio highlighted the broader implications of the call, suggesting that if the touchdown had been upheld, the Ravens would likely have won that game, securing the AFC North title and potentially preserving John Harbaugh’s coaching tenure in Baltimore.

If the touchdown had counted, the Ravens probably would have won that game. Change the result of that game, and the Ravens win the AFC North, as they would have finished tied with the Steelers in the standings and would have won the tiebreaker based on a better division record. If the Ravens had won the AFC North, John Harbaugh might still be their coach. Someone else would be coaching the Giants. A whole lot would be different.

?Mike Florio

Isaiah Likely’s Free Agency Outlook Amid Kyle Pitts Franchise Tag

With Atlanta Falcons expected to apply the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely is emerging as a top tight end available in free agency. Although seasoned veterans like Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, and David Njoku are also free agents, Likely’s younger age—he will turn 26 in April—and his evolving TE1 potential position him as a desirable candidate on the open market.

The Ravens have already secured veteran tight end Mark Andrews with a three-year, $39.3 million contract extension signed in December. Meanwhile, Likely has publicly expressed his desire to join a team where his skills can fully develop, suggesting he might depart Baltimore next season.

Despite their close relationship, as noted by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens’ lack of progress in extending Likely and their commitment to Andrews complicate retaining both players on high-value contracts simultaneously.

Likely is extremely close with Lamar Jackson, so it’s hard to completely rule out a Baltimore return. However, over the past eight months, the Ravens made no progress in their efforts to extend Likely, and they’ve since paid Andrews. It would be extremely hard for them to have two guys making top-eight tight end money with all their needs elsewhere.

?Jeff Zrebiec

Jackson himself conveyed his hope that Likely remains with the team through social media.

@Ravens 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💜

?Lamar Jackson

Additionally, tight end Charlie Kolar, 27, is another potential free agent, ranked by Pro Football Focus as the third-best tight end available after Goedert and Likely. Kolar’s market value may surpass general expectations based on multiple assessments around the league.

Kolar has been identified by several people around the league as a guy who could get paid more in free agency than most think.

?Jeff Zrebiec

Bradley Bozeman Announces Retirement After Eight NFL Seasons

Former Baltimore Ravens center Bradley Bozeman has announced his retirement following an eight-year NFL career. Bozeman spent his initial four seasons with the Ravens, becoming a fan favorite and earning two nominations for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award during his tenure in Baltimore.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Bozeman started every game at left guard in 2019 and 2020 before transitioning to starting center in 2021. After leaving Baltimore in free agency for the Carolina Panthers in 2022, he went on to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he completed his career.

A 6th round pick by Ravens in 2018, Bozeman started 110 games over 8 seasons.

?Jamison Hensley

Additional Notes from the NFL Landscape

Recent offseason analysis highlights several pressing needs for the Ravens as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Sources list five key positions the organization should focus on improving.

Simultaneously, sportsbook forecasts indicate that ten NFL teams have been set with win totals of 10.5 games or more, reflecting expectations for strong performances in 2026.

Pro Football Focus recently released a ranking of the highest-graded interior defensive linemen based on 2025 performances, providing valuable insight into key defensive contributors.

Meanwhile, mock drafts continue to shape speculation around team strategies for the upcoming NFL Draft, with new three-round projections drawing attention from analysts and fans alike.

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