Two massive decisions are looming over the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason ahead of free agency, and they are running out of time to get them figured out.
The first is the extension talks surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson. His $74.5 million cap hit is taking an unbearable toll on Baltimore’s cap space in 2026, and the front office will be looking to get a new contract done soon. The other is the pending free agency of center Tyler Linderbaum.
As general manager Eric DeCosta noted at the NFL Combine, the Ravens offered a market-setting extension. Still, Linderbaum’s agent clearly is out for more money than what was offered. Unfortunately for Baltimore, ESPN’s Dan Graziano provided a report that they certainly didn’t want to hear.
With NFL Combine buzz swirling, Jeremy Fowler and Graziano provided offseason updates in a recent article. Among the reports was news that Linderbaum may be on his way to getting over $20 million this offseason. Graziano wrote:
“Meanwhile, the Ravens hope they can keep free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. But plenty of people in Indy believe he will get offers that exceed $20 million per year, and that Baltimore won't want to go that high.”
This was speculative, but with Linderbaum playing a lower-valued position at center, no one knew for sure. Based on Graziano’s updates, tensions may be rising in Charm City.
Ravens receive crushing Tyler Linderbaum update
The Ravens put themselves in this tough Linderbaum situation. Sure, his agent, Neil Cornrich, hasn’t been easy to negotiate with, but there were opportunities to keep him around for at least one more year. His fifth-year option was declined, and more likely than not, they will not place the franchise tag on him. The financials on those potential moves never made sense, but it’s still agonizing to see a three-time Pro Bowler inching toward unrestricted free agency.
While Linderbaum is a top center in football, there’s a line you have to draw in the sand if you’re the Ravens. There are so many upgrades needed at premium positions like outside linebacker, and Pro Bowlers like wide receiver Zay Flowers are nearing the point where they’ll soon need extensions. A market-setting contract makes sense for Linderbaum, but over $20 million? Maybe not.
It could quickly backfire if Baltimore lets Linderbaum walk. Their guard situation was horrendous in 2025, and they’ll be looking for veteran additions in free agency. Right guard is expected to be vacant with Daniel Faalele probably walking out the door, and Emery Jones Jr., while promising as a 2025 third-round pick, is obviously unproven. They need some stability with a player like Linderbaum, but with the inflated salary expectations, that may not be logical.
All Ravens fans are hoping there’s a way that Linderbaum remains in Baltimore. If you’re going to extend Lamar Jackson, you need a plan for the interior offensive line. Maybe diminishing Jackson’s cap hit will play into how comfortable the front office is with the Linderbaum negotiations. However, it seems he could receive an unfathomable amount of money on the open market.
Hopefully, this ends up like the Ronnie Stanley extension, where Baltimore agrees on a contract just days before legal tampering begins.