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Raven center Tyler Linderbaum prepares to snap the football.
If the Baltimore Ravens hope to re-sign center Tyler Linderbaum, one analyst believes they could start in the market. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the 26-year-old projects to sign a four-year, $71 million contract. That sits just a million dollars short of Kansas City Chiefs pivot Creed Humphrey. Also, the $71 million could be the lower end of the range. All it would take is for the Ravens to offer a little more, and Linderbaum changes the landscape. Popper highlights what the Pro Bowl brings to the table.
“Linderbaum, a 2022 first-round pick, is an athletic, versatile, and powerful run blocker. He takes great angles and is very capable on the move on outside-zone runs, as a puller, and in the screen game. Though he is not an elite pass protector, Linderbaum shows the eyes and instincts necessary to identify stunts and deceptive movement along the defensive front.”
“Linderbaum can give up some ground in pass protection when rushers get into his chest, and he is not always consistent with his initial strike. But he is more than functional in that phase, and his run blocking is among the best in the league.”
The Ravens use Linderbaum’s strengths to offset his weaknesses. For example, as a running team with a mobile quarterback, he doesn’t need to dominate in pass protection. Lamar Jackson will not climb the ladder under pressure. Instead, he will look for a hint of daylight, an opening to glide through. From there, with his ability to extend the pockets, the wideout can gain separation. If no one can, Jackson’s athleticism and knack for the big play help him to the outside.
As a run-oriented team, the Ravens depend on Linderbaum to win in the run game. Normally, you’d expect a great run blocker to overpower or envelop the defender, amulling them and asserting physical will.
GettyRavens center Tyler Linderbaum during a 2022 game against the Washington Commanders.
Linderbaum’s Elite Play Style Isn’t What You’d Think
When you think of fierce run blockers, 330-pound behemoths line the field, charging forward, erasing defenses. Meanwhile, the free agent uses skills he used from another sport to thrive. As a former high school wrestler in Iowa, Linderbaum uses hand placement, leverage, body control, and angling to create holes in the run defense.
Standing six-foot-two and weighing 305, many consider him small for an interior lineman. However, his leg drive and quickness now win the rep before the defender can ready himself to engage. When you watch Lamar Jackson make big plays, the middle of the line seems to be controlling that area every time.
GettyRavens Center Tyler Linderbaum snaps the ball to Lamar Jackson.
Familiar Face Could Be Baltimore’s Main Competition for Linderbaum
One person, detached from the Ravens organization, owned a front seat to what Linderbaum can do. New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh watched the pivot evolve into a top player at his position. Harbaugh wants to bring some of the Ravens’ toughness to New York.
Something that works in Baltimore’s favor is the Giants’ cap situation. According to Spotrac, New York possesses $7,773,627 in cap room, good enough for 19th in the league. That number represents less than half of what Linderbaum is expected to grab.
Subsequently, Harbaugh will need to restructure deals in rapid succession. That does not mean that the Ravens can simply write a check. Owner Steve Bisciotti outlined his desire for Jackson to restructure his contract to create cap space.
While other teams have more cap space, DeCosta and the Ravens, as well as Linderbaum, could reach an agreement. If they can, that may give the Ravens an advantage. If not, the team could find itself in desperation mode.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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