The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most sought-after pending free agents of this cycle in center Tyler Linderbaum. Things have gotten somewhat out of hand with his contract projections, with some reports indicating that he could earn over $20 million a year next season.
General manager Eric DeCosta has said the Ravens have offered a market-setting contract to the three-time Pro Bowler. Linderbaum’s agent has yet to budge, as with center-needy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders having a ton of cap space, the 25-year-old could earn a crazy amount of money this offseason.
Now, another center opening has popped up. Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman shockingly retired on Tuesday.
ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire. pic.twitter.com/SKJcXa1res
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
While the Bears are over the cap, there’s always a way to make a move. Albert Breer also mentioned that Chicago has some interest in Linderbaum.
The Bears have sniffed around Tyler Linderbaum and now that makes sense. https://t.co/tqWu6uowe4
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 3, 2026
Things aren’t going to get pretty for Baltimore.
Ravens may have to pony up the money it takes for Tyler Linderbaum
There aren’t many great centers available during this free agency cycle. The top name is far and away Linderbaum, and former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz may be the best outside him. Biadasz could be a strong backup plan for the Ravens, but the Bears are already bringing him in for a visit.
The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins. pic.twitter.com/83dx8sec4X
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026
If Linderbaum hits the open market, the battle for not just Linderbaum, but the other top names like Biadasz and Connor McGovern, is only going to get more competitive. It creates even more uncertainty and craziness to an already tough decision for Baltimore. It may force them to fork up the money that Linderbaum wants.
Linderbaum has been a stalwart for the Ravens since he was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He's done everything and more to prove that he's worth a market-setting contract. Maybe he doesn’t deserve $25 million, but it may be in the front office’s best interest to increase their initial offer.
Teams with an abundance of money, like the Tennessee Titans and Raiders, are probably willing to overpay, and contenders like the Los Angeles Chargers and Bears could lure him over with their talented rosters. If the Ravens don’t agree on an extension with Linderbaum before free agency opens, he’s likely as good as gone. The urgency in his contract talks in the coming week will certainly increase.
While the ball is in Baltimore’s court, Linderbaum holds the leverage. The Ravens desperately need improvements on the interior offensive line, and losing Linderbaum would make an already horrific group even worse.
With so many suitors open to bringing him in on a lucrative deal, the former Iowa Hawkeye may be able to force Baltimore’s hand in contract talks. At this point, it may be best to pay more than they originally intended.