Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum could fetch a huge contract in 2026, as he is ranked one of the biggest free agents.
The Baltimore Ravens are known for awarding their own talent with extensions, and they have done so ahead of the 2026 offseason.
Defensive tackle Travis Jones, tight end Mark Andrews, and long snapper Nick Moore were among the players who were awarded with extensions ahead of the 2026 offseason.
Now, the Ravens have an important decision to make regarding one of their top pending free agents: center Tyler Linderbaum.
Linderbaum is slated to be an unrestricted free agent and will fetch a big contract. At only 26 years old, he has been one of the most solid offensive linemen in the league.
ESPN produced a top free agent list for the 2026 offseason, and Linderbaum comes in at No. 3 out of the expansive list.
Matt Bowen revealed why Linderbaum sits at that spot.
"What he brings: Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the interior of the front, using elite foot speed and body control to match pass rushers or climb to the second level in the run game. His pass block win rate of 97.2% tied for second among 31 qualifying centers this season," Bowen wrote.
Linderbaum has been a major reason for the Ravens' success, especially in terms of the run game. Though the front office and general manager Eric DeCosta may choose to give him an extension, it will need to be the size that will keep the lineman in-house.
Per PFF, Linderbaum is ranked No. 5 out of 40 qualified centers with an overall grade of 80.2. His 83.7 run block grade is ranked No. 4, while his 63.4 pass block grade is ranked No. 22.
Despite lacking in terms of the pass block department, Linderbaum remains one of the best centers in the game, and the Ravens will need to present him with a contract that won't lead to him searching for one with another team.
Baltimore needs to solidify the offensive line in a big way. More help is needed, and with Lamar Jackson being injured far more than he should have in 2025, the results of those injuries reared their ugly heads.
New head coach Jesse Minter will need to offer some input on the roster, despite being a defensive-minded coach. That input should include wanting to keep Linderbaum on the line to protect Jackson.