While the Baltimore Ravens have emerged as winners of free agency a week and a half in, they still have some pressing questions to answer. Sure, they got their pass rush situation figured out with the signing of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, but an even bigger flaw is impossible to ignore: the center vacancy.
The Ravens lost their three-time Pro Bowl center, Tyler Linderbaum, after he signed a stunning three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. While it was a smart decision not to overpay as much as Las Vegas did, it’s still a heavy sting that won’t go away for quite a while.
It sounds like Baltimore will look for Linderbaum’s replacement in the draft. For now, though, they’re focusing on building depth at the center spot. Initially, that backup was expected to be Maryland local Corey Bullock, but after Tuesday’s signing of Danny Pinter, Bullock is being threatened for a roster spot.
Baltimore Ravens’ Danny Pinter addition poses major roster question for Corey Bullock
After signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Bullock made the active roster this past season. He showed out as a preseason darling in 2025, ultimately taking the backup center role. He logged a few snaps throughout the regular season, playing sporadically in five contests, showcasing versatility along the way.
That versatility makes Bullock a valuable backup lineman; he can play all five positions. However, after adding Pinter, a veteran backup center with versatility on the inside, Bullock’s clearly going to have to fight his way back onto the roster next season. He was re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent earlier in the week, but Pinter’s one-year, $2.25 million contract gives him clear priority as the main backup.
Bullock’s aforementioned versatility may not even help him that much either. Baltimore also signed Jovaughn Gwyn to a one-year deal earlier in free agency, who is another lineman who provides the ability to play guard and center. Gwyn may find an easier route to next year’s roster, too, as he played under new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford with the Atlanta Falcons from 2023 to 2025.
It’s clear the coaching staff is looking to reform the interior offensive line. From the starting unit to backups, they want a fresh set of faces. Despite the faith Bullock had from last year’s coaches and the fans, it’s a whole different ballgame.
Ledford is bringing in his own set of guys, and Bullock all of a sudden has an uphill climb to a roster spot. Between John Simpson, Emery Jones Jr., Andrew Vorhees, Bullock, Pinter, and Gwyn, there’s already a ton of interior offensive linemen on the roster. And the draft will surely add at least another quality player or two.
Overall, the competition has quickly gotten heated, especially for Bullock.