When it comes to players the Baltimore Ravens have to keep, fans can go in a host of different directions.

Young tight end Isaiah Likely looms as one weapon the franchise would be wise to keep for Lamar Jackson in 2026 and beyond, but in truth, there are other positions that could be seen as far more important. 

Such as the offensive line.

And it is here where the Ravens’ offseason shopping list gets interesting, because three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is a free agent. 

And CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, he’s one player Baltimore can’t let walk out the door.

“Tyler Linderbaum will be heavily in demand this offseason as the top interior offensive lineman available,” Pereles wrote. “A three-time Pro Bowler, Linderbaum has played in 66 of a possible 68 regular-season games for Baltimore. The Ravens have questions to answer at both guard spots, so ensuring there’s a top-tier center in between them is key.”

More: Why Ravens’ Lamar Jackson’s QB ranking should scare NFL in 2026

Ravens’ face defining offseason

Linderbaum and his free agency status are a big-ticket item for the Ravens, but so is working on Lamar’s contract.

Set to count $74.5 million against the cap, the Ravens are hamstrung by that until the number drops, meaning they can’t go out and sign free agents to get better, or sign players like Linderbaum, either.

So, the entire Ravens offseason is going to be defined by their quarterback, and with free agency beginning in under a month, time is ticking for the franchise to figure it out.

Because as important as it is to keep Linderbaum, the franchise can’t do it without Lamar’s help.

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