The Baltimore Ravens are off to a disappointing 1-2 start. Amid this poor start, defense and protection have been the two key issues. However, one bright spot on the offensive line has been center Tyler Linderbaum. The Iowa product has been one of the league's best centers throughout his four-year career, and that trend has continued despite the Ravens' poor line play.
Notably, Linderbaum has a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 82.7, which ranks first among centers. Ronnie Stanley is the only other Ravens' lineman with a PFF grade above 70, with the other three starters ranging from a 43.1 to a 66.7. Furthermore, Linderbaum has allowed just one sack, for a Ravens squad that is tied for second (12) in total sacks allowed; his protection has been massive.
Undoubtedly, Linderbaum is a crucial piece of the Ravens. In the 2025 offseason, the Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option with the intention to extend him later. Given his value to the Ravens, extending Linderbaum in the middle of the season would be logical.
Extending Linderbaum is a no-brainer decision for the Ravens
It's possible that the Ravens wait until the 2026 offseason to extend Linderbaum. However, considering the former first-round pick's importance to the team, General Manager Eric DeCosta should waste no time and hammer out an extension during the season.
If the Ravens wait until the offseason, they run the risk of losing him on the open market. The Ravens need protection for Lamar Jackson, and Linderbaum has been the team's best lineman for the past few years.
Looking at what the Ravens could pay Linderbaum, Creed Humphrey's four-year $72 million deal could be a fair benchmark. Humphrey and Cam Jurgens are the only two centers who make more than $15 million annually. Linderbaum seems destined to join this group, and he could even become the highest-paid center.
Regardless of the price tag, securing an extension with Linderbaum should be a priority for the Ravens, and the easiest way to do this would be in the middle of the season.
Losing Linderbaum in the 2026 offseason would be a disastrous outcome for the Ravens, especially given how poorly the rest of their o-line has played. Even if this is unlikely, the Ravens can't afford to risk the possibility of Linderbaum leaving, and they must extend him soon. Good center play is hard to find, and if the nightmare scenario where the Ravens lose Linderbaum unfolds, their offensive line could truly go off the rails.