The Pittsburgh Steelers barely escaped the AFC North in 2025, defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to slip into the playoffs. The NFL’s final regular-season contest of the year was exhilarating, and literally came down to the final seconds. The rivalry will look a whole lot different in 2026, however. After nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin decided to step away from the Steel City, and John Harbaugh was fired from his post. Now, Mike McCarthy and Jesse Minter will face off against one another twice a year in what will provide a new twist in the teams’ histories with one another.
AP Photo / Don Wright
Former Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Playing in the AFC North requires a tough, bulletproof-type mindset. Players often feel more banged up and have more bruises after these matchups each year. One of the most exciting areas to watch when Pittsburgh and Baltimore face off is the offensive line going up against the opposition’s front seven. It has always been a treat to observe how the battle unfolds, and the winner in the trenches typically comes out on top at the end of each respective game.
The Ravens consistently possess one of the league’s better offensive lines, but have an issue brewing that will upset their fan base. Tyler Linderbaum has three Pro Bowl elections in just four professional seasons. He has solidified himself as one of the best at his position; however, he is due for a contract extension and things aren’t going swimmingly.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebeic, General Manager Eric DeCosta and the center’s camp have not been moving along in a positive direction when it comes to contract talks. Baltimore risks losing a key piece to its offensive operation, which would be a positive thing for the Steelers and AFC North as a whole, as long as he doesn’t move on to the Cleveland Browns, an organization that is being forced to completely change the unit that consists of the big men up front.
“The Ravens aren’t thrilled with where contract negotiations stand with center Tyler Linderbaum,” Zrebeic wrote. “When general manager Eric DeCosta revealed that the team had made a “market-setting” offer to retain the three-time Pro Bowl center, it was a significant departure from how the normally tight-lipped organization does business. It suggests that a deal wasn’t close at the time of DeCosta’s comments and the Ravens are trying to get Linderbaum’s side to engage.”
Sometimes, contracts take time to come together, but DeCosta has to be kicking himself for not picking up Linderbaum’s fifth-year option, as he was a first-round selection back in 2022. Now, he seems to be leaking information to get everyone to the negotiating table.
Shawn Hubbard / Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ offensive line, including center Tyler Linderbaum, go up against the defense in practice.
If the Ravens can’t get something figured out within the next week or so, the center will be able to test the open market. NFL general managers will be fine overpaying for an offensive line anchor potentially entering his prime. It will be something to keep an eye on, and the AFC North will directly be affected if the four-year starter ends up playing for another organization in 2026 and beyond.
“Talk in Indianapolis was that teams are lining up to take a run at Linderbaum and he’s primed to make over $20 million per year,” Zrebeic noted. “The Ravens are running out of time to keep him off the open market.”
It will be fascinating to see if DeCosta can somehow close the deal prior to free agency beginning, but if the two sides have barely talked, that seems to be a very unlikely scenario.
Steelers Keeping A Close Eye On Market For NFL’s Top Centers
Zach Frazier has not been too shabby throughout his first two professional seasons. After the 2026 campaign, he will be eligible for the first extension of his young career. There is no fifth-year option due to his status as a second-round selection, so General Manager Omar Khan will have to proceed with caution but confidence when locking him up long-term.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers center Zach Frazier stands alongside and speaks with backup quarterback Mason Rudolph as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.