A lot has changed in Baltimore this offseason. One thing the Ravens hope they don’t: The starting point guard.
Center Tyler Linderbaum will hit the opener as one of the best players available at any position. General manager Eric DeCosta said on a recent episode of “The Inner Circle Podcast” with Aaron Donald, Zach Klein and Todd France that he is still working on keeping the key piece on the offensive line.
“We have Tyler Linderbaum’s contract to work out,” DeCosta said. “We really hope to get him back. He’s a great player for us and a great leader.”
DeCosta added that he also hopes to “boost the guard position” this season, but noted that Emery Jones Jr. could compete for a starting role in 2026.
Linderbaum’s deal was always going to be difficult for Baltimore. It’s almost a given that the three-time Pro Bowler will be the highest-paid center in the NFL. That honor is now held by Creed Humphrey, who earns $18 million a year. The Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option not because of performance — like 99% of other fifth-year decliners — but rather because the option would have cost $23.4 million in 2026, well above the top of the mid-market. Ditto for the use of the franchise logo in this case.
Since the Ravens can’t use any of the methods to keep Linderbaum under team management without opening up the middle market, the fourth-year pro is ready to hit free agency unless DeCosta bridges the gap before March 11. With offensive needs around the league, someone will pay Linderbaum big if the Ravens don’t want to reach those heights.
With the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin next week, the Ravens may have a better idea of whether they can make an offer that keeps Linderbaum off the market.