The Baltimore Ravens have lost a key centerpiece of their offensive line, as free agent center Tyler Linderbaum reached an agreement on a record-setting three-year, $81 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, EPSN’s Adam Schefter reports.
The deal reportedly includes $60 million in guarantees.
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Linderbaum’s contract makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL, surpassing Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey. Humphrey previously reigned as the league’s highest-paid center, having signed a four-year, $72 million contract last offseason.
Young centers of Linderbaum’s status rarely hit free agency. However, the 25-year-old was set to the market after the Ravens opted not to place a franchise tag on him. The tag was projected at $27.764 million for the 2026 season. Last offseason, the Ravens also chose not to exercise Linderbaum’s fifth-year option; he would have made $23.4 million in 2026 if his option had been picked up.
Since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 25th overall out of the University of Iowa in 2022, Linderbaum has been one of the best centers in the NFL, having been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons. Last year, Linderbaum ranked fifth amongst centers with a PFF offensive grade of 80.3.
Despite being undersized, Linderbaum has been one of the top run blockers, using his mobility to create open rushing lanes for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Linderbaum is also a top-15 center in pass blocking, despite a 66.3 grade and inconsistencies against pass rushes.
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Linderbaum has also been durable, missing just two games in his career so far, playing all 17 regular-season games in three of his four campaigns.
This breaking news story will be updated.
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