Ravens' 2026 Future Could Hinge on Retaining Star Center

Baltimore must decide whether to re-sign three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum amid Lamar Jackson contract negotiations.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Baltimore Ravens face a crucial offseason with decisions to make on key players, including star center Tyler Linderbaum, who is set to hit free agency. Retaining Linderbaum is seen as crucial to providing stability on the offensive line and supporting quarterback Lamar Jackson, but the team's cap situation is complicated by Jackson's looming contract extension.

Why it matters

The Ravens' ability to build a contending roster around Lamar Jackson in 2026 and beyond could hinge on their success in re-signing Linderbaum, one of the league's top interior offensive linemen. Losing Linderbaum would create a major hole on the offensive line that could undermine Jackson's performance and the team's overall competitiveness.

The details

Tyler Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowl center, is set to become a free agent this offseason. The Ravens must decide whether to prioritize re-signing the 26-year-old lineman, who has started 66 of a possible 68 regular-season games for the team. With questions at both guard spots, ensuring a top-tier center like Linderbaum remains in place is viewed as key to supporting quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the Ravens' cap situation is complicated by Jackson's current $74.5 million cap hit, which the team must address before it can pursue free agents or re-sign its own players.

  • The 2023 NFL free agency period begins in under a month.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A three-time Pro Bowl center for the Baltimore Ravens who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback, whose looming contract extension is complicating the team's offseason plans.

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What they’re saying

“Tyler Linderbaum will be heavily in demand this offseason as the top interior offensive lineman available. A three-time Pro Bowler, Linderbaum has played in 66 of a possible 68 regular-season games for Baltimore. The Ravens have questions to answer at both guard spots, so ensuring there's a top-tier center in between them is key.”

— Zachary Pereles, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Ravens must decide whether to prioritize re-signing Linderbaum or focus their resources on extending Lamar Jackson's contract before the start of free agency.

The takeaway

The Ravens' ability to build a contending roster around Lamar Jackson in 2026 and beyond could hinge on their success in re-signing star center Tyler Linderbaum, one of the league's top interior offensive linemen. However, the team's cap situation, complicated by Jackson's looming contract extension, will make it challenging to retain both players.