As the Baltimore Ravens start the Jesse Minter era, they have countless players who are set to enter free agency this offseason. One of those players is starting center Tyler Linderbaum.
The veteran lineman has started at center for Baltimore since being drafted in the first round back in 2022. Now, after three straight Pro Bowl seasons, Linderbaum is set to get paid in free agency this offseason.
Ravens fans could be concerned that Baltimore won’t be the team paying him. There’s also a bigger fear for Ravens fans: the fear that Linderbaum leaves Baltimore and stays in the division. That’s exactly what reporter Greg Auman said could happen in a recent FOX Sports piece. Ranking the top 100 free agents of the offseason, and listing potential fits, Auman ranked Linderbaum no. 5, and highlighted the Cleveland Browns as a likely landing spot.
Tyler Linderbaum could leave Ravens for Browns in free agency
Auman explained that Baltimore could re-sign the elite center, but acknowledged that coaching changes, for three teams specifically, could play into Linderbaum’s decision.
"With coaching changes, will he stay in Baltimore, or look at joining John Harbaugh with the Giants or Todd Monken with the Browns?"Greg Auman (FOX Sports)
Cleveland would certainly love it if Linderbaum came to town, as the Browns are on a mission to significantly improve their offense and get younger. Additionally, their offensive line struggled in 2025, is aging, and four of the five day-one starters are set to be free agents. The fifth starter, offensive tackle Dawand Jones, is set to enter the final season of his contract and has had season-ending injuries in all three of his NFL seasons.
In other words, the Browns will be aggressive in their attempt to rebuild their offensive line this offseason, and it’s safe to assume Linderbaum will be a part of those plans. That especially has to be the case with former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken taking over as the head coach in Cleveland. If Monken tries to lure a Baltimore free agent like Linderbaum over, he could help the Browns turn things around, which could be bad news for a Ravens team that plays Cleveland twice a year as members of the AFC North.
The only way Baltimore can assure this nightmare doesn’t happen is by signing Linderbaum before free agency even starts. That has to be a top priority for the franchise in this new era.