Ravens Offer ‘Market-Setting’ Deal to Keep Pro Bowl Center Linderbaum
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has signaled a strong intention to retain center Tyler Linderbaum, a key component of the team’s offensive line, offering him what he described as a “market-setting offer” on . The announcement, made at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, comes as Linderbaum is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents when the negotiation period begins on .
DeCosta’s comments suggest the Ravens are prepared to exceed the current highest paid center contract in the NFL, held by Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey, who earns $18 million per season under a four-year, $72 million extension signed in 2024. The Ravens’ offer underscores the importance they place on Linderbaum, whom DeCosta described as, “in my opinion, the best center in the league.”
The situation mirrors that of left tackle Ronnie Stanley last offseason, when the Ravens proactively re-signed him to a three-year, $60 million contract just days before free agency opened, preventing him from testing the open market. The team appears determined to avoid a repeat scenario with Linderbaum.
However, the possibility remains that Linderbaum could still reach free agency. DeCosta indicated the team is unlikely to utilize the franchise tag, which would carry a significant cost of $27.9 million for offensive linemen. This suggests Baltimore is hoping to reach a long-term agreement with Linderbaum before he has the opportunity to negotiate with other teams.
Linderbaum, 25, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line, earning Pro Bowl selections in each of his first three seasons. His consistent performance places him in elite company within the franchise’s history, surpassed only by Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden (11 Pro Bowls) and guard Marshal Yanda (8 Pro Bowls, and a recent finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame).
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter emphasized Linderbaum’s importance to the team’s offensive scheme, highlighting his ability to communicate effectively and provide crucial support to quarterback Lamar Jackson. “Those guys can work in tandem sometimes [with] seeing blitzes, protections and run schemes,” Minter said. “So yes, in any offense, I would say that’s a major position.”
Re-signing Linderbaum would be a significant step towards addressing concerns about the protection Jackson received last season. Jackson was sacked on 9.8% of his dropbacks, the highest rate of his eight-year career. The Ravens recognize the need to bolster the offensive line to ensure Jackson’s continued success and minimize the risk of injury.
Beyond Linderbaum, the Ravens also face questions regarding the guard positions, where Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees combined to allow 11 sacks last season. DeCosta indicated the team will explore options to upgrade those positions, both through free agency and the upcoming NFL draft.
The Ravens have identified Emery Jones Jr. And Carson Vinson, both drafted last year, as potential contributors along the offensive line. DeCosta also noted the importance of aligning any additions with the vision of Dwayne Ledford, the team’s new offensive line coach and run game coordinator.
The emphasis on strengthening the offensive line reflects a broader organizational philosophy, as highlighted by Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, who spent two decades with the Ravens. “Honestly, I’ve said some of our worst years in Baltimore is when we had some struggles on the offensive line or got beat up,” Hortiz stated.
Linderbaum’s arrival in Baltimore in 2022, as the first center ever drafted in the first round by the team, brought stability to a position that had seen considerable turnover in the preceding years. Prior to Linderbaum, the Ravens had cycled through five different starting centers in a nine-season span: Gino Gradkowski (2013), Jeremy Zuttah (2014-2016), Ryan Jensen (2017), Matt Skura (2018-2020), and Bradley Bozeman (2021).
If Linderbaum returns, he would become the first Ravens center to start for more than four consecutive seasons since Mike Flynn (2001-2005 and 2007). The Ravens’ commitment to securing his future underscores their belief that a strong, stable offensive line is fundamental to their success.