As the 2026 NFL free agency period approaches, Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum stands out as a premier interior offensive lineman poised to command top dollar.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) predicts he will become the highest-paid center in the league, projecting a blockbuster four-year, $80 million contract.
PFF Contract Projection: Four years, $80 million
Across his four seasons, Tyler Linderbaum has proven to be one of the NFL’s premier run blockers on the interior, earning above a 78.0 PFF run-blocking grade in each season. Over that span, he’s proven to be elite regardless of scheme ranking in the 85th percentile or better in both gap and zone concepts.
The recent rookie extensions of Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (four-year, $72 million) and Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (four-year, $68 million) will be the likely starting point for any team looking to acquire Linderbaum. Yet, given the need for quality blocking on the interior for many franchises, Linderbaum could quickly jump to the top of the list, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.
The New York Giants, under new head coach John Harbaugh, are widely expected to pursue Linderbaum aggressively. Incumbent center John Michael Schmitz has not developed as hoped, struggling in both protection and run blocking, making an upgrade at the position a priority for bolstering the trenches.
Advertisement
Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler and consistent elite performer since the 2022 draft, represents one of the NFL’s best options at center.
While the Ravens may push to retain him, the Giants’ connection to Harbaugh and their cap flexibility position them as a strong contender in what could be a competitive bidding war.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Likely Giants target predicted to be highest-paid iOL free agent