Raiders to Keep Jackson Powers-Johnson at Guard After Linderbaum Signing

ESPN insider reports Raiders have no plans to trade young offensive lineman despite signing Tyler Linderbaum to record-setting deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash in free agency by signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a 3-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history. With Linderbaum now in the fold, there was speculation the Raiders may move Jackson Powers-Johnson back to center, where he played in college and his rookie season. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Raiders plan to keep Powers-Johnson at guard and have no intention of trading him.

Why it matters

Keeping Powers-Johnson at guard provides stability and continuity on the Raiders' offensive line, which is crucial for protecting young quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Powers-Johnson showed promise as a rookie, and the Raiders believe he can develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber guard with more stability in the coaching staff and scheme.

The details

The Raiders' decision to sign Linderbaum to a record-setting contract for a center signals their commitment to upgrading the offensive line. Rather than moving Powers-Johnson back to center, the team will keep him at guard, where he played most of last season. This allows the Raiders to have a strong interior line with Linderbaum at center and Powers-Johnson and other veterans at the guard positions.

  • The Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to a 3-year, $81 million contract on March 9, 2026.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

An All-Pro center who the Raiders signed to a record-setting 3-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history.

Jackson Powers-Johnson

A young offensive lineman for the Raiders who played center in college and his rookie season, but the team plans to keep him at guard moving forward.

Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders' young starting quarterback who the team is looking to protect with their upgraded offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“The Raiders plan to play Jackson Powers-Johnson at guard after the acquisition of Tyler Linderbaum. They don't plan to trade him.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to continue building around their young core on offense, including Mendoza at quarterback and Powers-Johnson on the offensive line, as they aim to compete in the AFC West.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision to keep Powers-Johnson at guard and invest heavily in Linderbaum at center shows their commitment to building a strong offensive line to protect their young quarterback and skill position players. This move provides stability and continuity up front, which is crucial for the Raiders' long-term success.