A lot has changed in Baltimore this offseason. One thing the Ravens hope doesn't: the starting pivot.
Center Tyler Linderbaum is set to hit free agency as one of the top players available at any position. General manager Eric DeCosta said on a recent episode of "The Inner Circle Podcast" with Aaron Donald, Zach Klein and Todd France that he's still working on keeping the pivotal piece to the offensive line.
"We've got some work to do on Tyler Linderbaum's contract," DeCosta said. "We strongly hope to have him back. He's a great player for us and a great leader."
DeCosta added that he also hopes to "augment the guard position" this offseason, while noting Emery Jones Jr. could compete for a starting role in 2026.
Linderbaum's contract was always going to be a tricky one for Baltimore. It's almost a fait accompli that the three-time Pro Bowler will become the highest-paid center in the NFL. That honor is currently held by Creed Humphrey, who makes $18 million per year. The Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option, not due to performance -- like 99% of other declined fifth-years -- but rather because the option would have cost $23.4 million in 2026, well beyond the top of the center market. Ditto for the use of the franchise tag in this case.
With the Ravens unable to use any of the mechanisms to keep Linderbaum under team control without blasting open the center market, the fourth-year pro is poised to hit free agency unless DeCosta bridges the gap before March 11. With offensive line needs pervasive across the league, someone will pay Linderbaum big money if the Ravens don't want to reach those heights.
With the NFL Scouting Combine set to commence next week, the Ravens might get a better idea of whether they can make an offer that keeps Linderbaum off the market.
