Despite all the massive improvements that the Baltimore Ravens have made, there’s one area that still sticks out like a sore thumb: the center position. After Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency, there has been an overwhelming hole in the spot he once patrolled so well for four years.
Entering OTAs, we still don’t know who will be snapping the ball to Lamar Jackson in 2026. Sure, the Ravens made a flurry of under-the-radar signings in guys like Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter, but neither of those guys has locked down the center opening.
It sounds like Pinter could be the guy, though. That seems like the top name engulfed in the center competition if Baltimore doesn’t make a trade, and if veteran guard John Simpson’s words play any factor, Pinter could be the clear-cut front-runner.
Baltimore Ravens might have a leader in their center competition
While Danny Pinter is a relatively unknown player for Ravens fans, he has already impressed his teammates. During Tuesday’s OTA practice, John Simpson complimented Pinter’s game, specifically his pre-snap communication.
John Simpson with some complimentary words about center Danny Pinter, saying his communication has been very good and he’s allowing them to line up quick and play fast.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 19, 2026
That’s a major need for Baltimore. It feels like for years, we’ve been watching the offense get lined up late, leading to far too many pre-snap penalties. From delay of game calls to alignment issues, that’s been one of the major downfalls of the Lamar Jackson-led offense. Pinter could help change that.
But let's be real here. Communication is great, and when you have Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers, if you check that box, you’re going to be a dangerous offensive unit. However, that’s only half the battle. Pinter still needs to prove he can be a consistent starter in the NFL, and he’s rather inexperienced.
Sure, Pinter has been in the league since 2020. And yes, he has appeared in 77 career games. When it comes to the number of starts, though? He only has 10 starts, and just three of those are at center. That makes OTAs and training camp crucial for his development. By the sounds of it, he’s already crushing it.
And Simpson isn’t the only one to sing the praises of Pinter this offseason. In an interview on The Lounge Podcast with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford was clearly moved by what he’s seen on tape from Pinter.
“When I watch Danny’s film, the athlete that he is and the things you see on tape, I’m excited about both [he and Jovaughn Gwyn], getting this opportunity to put the best foot forward and be able to take that next step,” Ledford said.
There’s still a ton that could change between now and Week 1 of the regular season. Technically, the Ravens don’t have to have an answer to their center question until September 13, when they take on the Indianapolis Colts. I’m sure they’d love to have that figured out sooner, though, and Pinter might be the one making an early statement.
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