Chargers and Raiders predicted to fight for Ravens $70 million Pro Bowl free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders need to upgrade the center position this offseason, and luckily for them, a Pro Bowl center from the Baltimore Ravens is expected to hit the free agent market.

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YardBarker’s Colton Edwards predicts the Chargers and Raiders will fight for Ravens free agent offensive line Tyler Linderbaum.

Here is why Edwards believes both teams should pursue Linderbaum:

“Linderbaum and the Raiders would be a great pair with expected HC Klint Kubiak. He’s a well-balanced offensive lineman with good foot speed in space, and one of the top pass protectors in the league to anchor the line with Kolton Miller.”

“Their unit ranked near the bottom in Pro Football Focus grades and struggled in protection. Linderbaum would provide immediate stability at center, protect Justin Herbert and fit HC Jim Harbaugh’s physical, run-first identity.”

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Jordan Meredith started at center for most of the season for Las Vegas, and though he wasn’t a complete liability, it would be wise for the Raiders to find an upgrade.

Since entering the league in 2022 with the Ravens, Linderbaum has been selected to three Pro Bowls and hasn’t allowed more than three sacks in a single season. He didn’t allow a sack in two seasons at one point in 2022 and 2023.

Linderbaum is also an excellent run blocker, serving as a key part of Baltimore’s rushing attack that consistently ranks among the best in football.

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Adding Linderbaum to replace Meredith as the starter would be an outstanding move from the Raiders, but their division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, would be a better fit.

Bradley Bozeman struggled as the Chargers’ starter at the position in 2025, so finding a replacement should be a key focus for Los Angeles in the coming months.

Linderbaum would be a perfect fit in the Chargers’ offense as a tenacious run blocker and efficient pass blocker for quarterback Justin Herbert. The 25-year-old would immediately upgrade one of Los Angeles’ most pressing needs and give new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel a dominant center for his unique run schemes.

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Both the Raiders and Chargers are slated to have a ton of cap space this offseason, both ranking in the top five. There’s a good chance the division rivals get in a bidding war for Linderbaum if he hits the market.

Linderbaum is projected to land a $70.8 million contract over four seasons, per Spotrac.

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