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Baltimore Ravnes center Tyler Linderbaum during a preseason game against the August 2022 preseason game.
T
he Super Bowl is finally here and while the two remaining teams prepare for the biggest game of the season, the rest of the NFL is fully focused on the offseason. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this offseason is pivotal for team that has made the playoffs in consecutive seasons, but lost in the first round both times. Determined to get over the hump and fully enter the Super Bowl conversation, the Chargers have a lot to do ahead of the fall.
But arguably the biggest issue that the Chargers faced all season was up front. Seeing both of their starting left tackles go down with injuries this season, the Chargers were forced to roll with a makeshift offensive line unit with minimal experience, making things tough not only for quarterback Justin Herbert, but the offense as a whole. Entering this offseason, the Chargers biggest need is offensive line reinforcements, but there is one player in particular who could be a good fit for what the Chargers are trying to do.
Could Tyler Linderbaum Be in Play?
The Chargers will get both of their starting tackles in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back next season, giving the Chargers an already improved line. But interior offensive line was a major problem this season, which caused the Chargers’ offense to take several steps back in multiple categories. But according to Pro Football Focus writer, Bradley Locker, there is one player he suggests the Chargers look into acquiring– current Baltimore Ravens center, Tyler Linderbaum.
“The fact that the Chargers made the playoffs with the NFL’s worst offensive line by overall PFF grade is borderline miraculous,” Locker wrote. “Natural reinforcements will come via the returns of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, but the unit also needs an upheaval up the middle. Spending on Linderbaum is a prudent idea.”
“Linderbaum has posted a 74.6 overall PFF grade or better in each of his four pro campaigns, and he’s allowed only two sacks over the last three seasons,” Locker added. “Indeed, the former first-round pick is the second-most-valuable center since his debut, according to PFF’s Wins Above Replacement metric. Los Angeles holds the most available cap space going into free agency, and Linderbaum is an ideal candidate for a market-resetting deal.”
A first round draft pick by the Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft, Linderbaum will be a free agent this offseason for the first time in his career and with the Ravens parting ways with longtime head coach, John Harbaugh, Linderbaum could be looking for a new home.
What Linderbaum Would Bring
A three-time Pro Bowler from 2023-25, Linderbaum has evolved into one of the best centers in the NFL in such a short time. An All-Rookie Team selection in 2022 after a dominant college career, Linderbaum has been a big reason why the Ravens’ offense has seen major success over the last couple of seasons, helping the team make it all the way to the AFC Championship Game in 2023 and helping running back Derrick Henry earn All-Pro honors with a 1,595 yard season in his first year as a Raven in 2024.
Dylan Grausz A lifelong sports fan, Dylan channels his passion for sports into being a journalist, where his primary goal is to provide readers with content that they love to read. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Dylan’s love for the Warriors, 49ers and Giants runs deep, having the ultimate dream of being a beat reporter for one of those teams. More about Dylan Grausz
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