The Baltimore Ravens have extended a market-setting contract offer to center Tyler Linderbaum, a potential signal that the three-time Pro Bowler could remain a cornerstone of the franchise as he heads into free agency.
General manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that Baltimore has presented Linderbaum’s camp with a proposal that would make the 25-year-old one of the highest-paid players at his position, exceeding the current benchmark for centers. DeCosta said the club hopes to reach an agreement before the new league year begins March 11.
“We’ve been having conversations since the end of the season,” DeCosta said. “At this point in time, we’ve made him a market-setting deal proposal offer. Hopefully, we can get something done with him between now and the start of the new league year.”
The Ravens are not expected to use the franchise or transition tag on Linderbaum, DeCosta added, leaving a new contract as the most likely path for keeping him in Baltimore. The franchise tag for offensive linemen is projected to be nearly $28 million in 2026.
Linderbaum, a first-round pick out of Iowa in 2022, has started every game for Baltimore since joining the league and has earned three straight Pro Bowl selections. He has anchored an offensive line that has been a focal point of the Ravens’ offense and a key protector for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter also spoke at the combine about Linderbaum’s importance, calling him one of the best interior linemen in the NFL and emphasizing the team’s desire to keep him in Baltimore.
Linderbaum is expected to draw heavy interest on the open market if he declines the Ravens’ offer and tests free agency, with multiple teams viewed as potential suitors. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has said the center is likely to have a “robust market” if allowed to hit free agency.
The move caps a buildup of contract discussions for Baltimore this offseason, as the team also seeks to extend Jackson and other key contributors while navigating salary-cap constraints.
