Speculation is heating up around the New York Giants‘ potential pursuit of Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum in the upcoming free agency period, fueled by the recent hiring of former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to lead the team.
In a recent Giants mailbag, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported strong indications that Linderbaum could follow Harbaugh to New York, along with other Ravens players.
Sources I touched base with said to expect this to happen, along with several other Ravens. It’s commonplace in the NFL for a new coach to bring a handful of guys with him. The best coaches have a message they preach to a team, but the best teams have players who take that message and carry it through the locker room. They set the standard others follow.
One thing on Linderbaum: He’s not coming cheap. One league source estimates his contract to be worth north of $18 million per year.
Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s top centers since being drafted 25th overall in 2022, would address a clear need for the Giants. Incumbent center John Michael Schmitz has underperformed, making an upgrade at the position a priority to bolster protection and run blocking.
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Multiple predictions have linked Linderbaum to New York, citing the Harbaugh connection and the Giants’ emphasis on strengthening the trenches. However, the Ravens may push to re-sign their anchor, and Linderbaum’s market value could attract competing bids, potentially exceeding $18 million annually on a multi-year deal.
While the fit makes strategic sense, nothing is guaranteed in free agency — Harbaugh’s influence could tip the scales, but the Giants will need to commit significant cap space to land the elite lineman.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants expected to pursue Tyler Linderbaum in free agency