Ravens May Let Star Center Tyler Linderbaum Walk in Free Agency

Linderbaum's struggles in pass protection could make him too expensive for Baltimore to retain.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Baltimore Ravens may not re-sign star center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, despite his three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Linderbaum is expected to command a contract worth $17-18 million per year, but his poor pass protection metrics raise questions about whether he is worth that investment for the Ravens, who have other needs to address this offseason.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision on Linderbaum could have a significant impact on their offensive line and overall team success next season. While Linderbaum is an elite run blocker, his struggles in pass protection may make him too expensive for Baltimore to retain, especially with the team needing to address other positions as well.

The details

According to analytics site Scoutdnfl.com, Linderbaum ranked 31st out of 32 centers in pressure rate percentage allowed during the 2025 season, at a staggering 4.85%. Pro Football Focus also graded Linderbaum's pass blocking at just 63.4 last year, ranking him 22nd out of 40 eligible centers. He allowed 26 pressures, 2 sacks, and 1 quarterback hit.

  • Linderbaum is set to be a free agent this offseason.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A three-time Pro Bowl center for the Baltimore Ravens who is set to hit free agency.

Connor McGovern

A center for the Buffalo Bills who the Ravens may target in free agency if they don't re-sign Linderbaum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that contract negotiations between the Ravens and Linderbaum have not gone as well as they had hoped. That is leaving Baltimore with the backup plan to sign Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern in free agency if a deal with Linderbaum doesn't work out.”

— Jason La Canfora, NFL insider

What’s next

The Ravens will need to decide whether to re-sign Linderbaum to a lucrative contract or pursue a more affordable option like Connor McGovern in free agency.

The takeaway

The Ravens must weigh Linderbaum's elite run blocking against his struggles in pass protection when deciding whether to re-sign him to a top-of-market contract. Opting for a more well-rounded center like McGovern could allow Baltimore to allocate resources to other positions of need this offseason.