Despite the Baltimore Ravens’ drafting masterclass this past week, there’s still one major question to answer: the center spot. Sure, they did a superb job of addressing most of their major needs, but they didn’t use a single one of their 11 selections on a center.
The Ravens do have centers on the roster. The trio of Matt Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Corey Bullock will be duking it out for starting reps. Gwyn may have the best chance, given his relationship with new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford stemming from their time with the Atlanta Falcons, but Baltimore may not be done adding at that spot.
On Wednesday, general manager Eric DeCosta noted that the 2026 NFL Draft didn’t go as they had hoped at center, but maintained that there are plenty of ways they can still address that need, even teasing a possible trade.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on @wbalradio said center position is in a state of flux.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 29, 2026
DeCosta: "It didn’t work out for us this past weekend. I think there may be some potential trades we can look at and some other things we can do to address that position."
Baltimore Ravens keeping their options open at the center spot
After Tyler Linderbaum left to join the Las Vegas Raiders on a market-setting contract, everyone assumed that center would be the first need filled for the Ravens. However, they didn’t add a sure-fire starter in free agency, and with the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, there is still an overwhelming question mark sitting in Linderbaum’s vacant spot. It’s a huge concern.
While the three contenders in Pinter, Gwyn, and Bullock, or even four if you include undrafted free agent Nick Dawkins, seem to have a clear path to getting reps, that could all be blocked if Baltimore gets aggressive late in the offseason. The coming weeks following the NFL Draft are always a time for remaining free agents or trade candidates to find a new team, and the time could be now for DeCosta to strike on that front.
In terms of free agent centers, there’s very few tempting options left. Graham Glasgow and Ethan Pocic probably lead the pack. The signings of Pinter and Gwyn were the best that Baltimore did at the time, and may remain the best options they do sign to replace Linderbaum via free agency. However, the trade market looks pretty tempting.
The best trade option for the Ravens might be New Orleans Saints interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz. According to Spotrac, Ruiz is among their list of NFL trade candidates. Ruiz has started 83 games across his career, and although he’s gotten limited snaps at center, he at least has some experience, and he also started in that role for two years at Michigan back in college.
Ultimately, it’ll probably come down to one of the center options currently on the roster. Yes, they were cheaper options, but the team invested in Pinter and Gwyn this offseason for a reason. It looks like they'll be the leading candidates to replace Linderbaum in 2026.
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