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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Tyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
If the Las Vegas Raiders want to set up what many believe will be the team’s No. 1 overall pick in Fernando Mendoza, it starts with revamping the offensive line.
According to ESPN statistics, the Raiders’ pass-block win rate ranked and run-block win rate ranked 22nd in the NFL last season, and with the second-most cap space in the NFL with $91.5 million (via OvertheCap.com), Las Vegas has the money to invest up front.
Geno Smith was sacked 55 times last season. That can’t be the case next season with Mendoza. And there’s one premier free agent that the Raiders should absolutely pursue: Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
However, according to CBS insider Jonathan Jones, the Los Angeles Chargers have Linderbaum as their top target if the Ravens can’t retain him. “Sources expect he would be a top target for the Chargers if Baltimore can’t retain him.”
Tyler Linderbaum Should Be the Raiders’ Top Target
GettyTyler Linderbaum #64 and Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens embrace before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Linderbaum, a former first-round pick by the Ravens back in 2022, is a three-time Pro Bowler and is one of the top centers in the NFL. The Raiders’ starting center last season, Jordan Meredith, on the other hand, was statistically one of the worst.
Since centers and guards are now grouped with tackles for the franchise tag number, the Ravens would have to pay Linderbaum a whopping $28 million if they were to franchise tag him. That’s likely not an option for Baltimore, and even with a chance to give a fifth-year option to their prized center, they declined.
“The decision to not pick up Linderbaum’s option is based on the unusually high financial commitment and not performance,” ESPN’s Jamison Hensley wrote.
Having an elite center would do wonders for the Raiders. For some perspective, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season. Bears GM Ryan Poles decided to attack the offensive line and bring in three veteran interior offensive linemen, including handing Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman a three-year, $42 million deal.
Dalman was a Pro Bowler in 2025 and the 6th-ranked center according to PFF. Williams was only sacked 24 times thanks to Dalman and the Bears’ revamped offensive line following his tumultuous rookie season.
Tyler Linderbaum is going to make so much money. He’s going to reset the center market by a wide margin.
Former Raiders Offensive Lineman Believes Las Vegas Should Be All-In on Linderbaum
If you don’t want to take my word on why the Raiders should be all-in on Linderbaum, what about former Raiders’ offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy?
“I’m throwing the bag of money at Tyler Linderbaum,” Kennedy said. “I’m throwing a ton of money. What do you need? Tell me a check that will make you happy to come over for Raiders. That’s just a start, right? But there are plenty of guys out there that I would definitely look at, and I have no problem with accepting and throwing a ton of money out there.”
Seriously, having a great offensive line is the pinnacle of what makes a team great in the NFL. The Raiders shouldn’t let the Chargers’ interest in Linderbaum deter them from going after him in free agency.
The Chargers have $8 million less in cap space, so there’s no excuse. The biggest problem is if the Ravens retain Linderbaum, but if not, the Raiders should do whatever it takes to bring him to Las Vegas.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. More about Isaac Zuniga
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