The Baltimore Ravens are betting big on their center.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta revealed that the team has made a "market-setting" offer to pending free agent center Tyler Linderbaum, and confirmed they won't be using the franchise tag on the young lineman, according to Mike Garafolo.

Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs currently leads the center market at $18 million per season. If the Ravens' offer is truly "market-setting," we're talking about a deal that could push past $20 million annually.

For a center. Let that sink in.

But here's the thing: Linderbaum is worth it. The 24-year-old out of Iowa has been one of the best centers in football since the day he stepped on an NFL field. He's athletic, smart, and anchors one of the league's best offensive lines. When you've got Lamar Jackson at quarterback, protecting him starts up the middle.

Baltimore knows what they have. Linderbaum was a first-round pick in 2022, and he's lived up to every bit of that investment. In an era where offensive line play is becoming a lost art, finding an elite center who can handle gap schemes, reach blocks, and play in space is like striking gold.

The decision not to use the franchise tag is interesting. The Ravens could have bought themselves another year to negotiate, but instead they're pushing for a long-term deal right now. That shows confidence - both in Linderbaum and in their ability to get a deal done.

It also shows respect. The franchise tag is a useful tool, but players hate it. It's one year of security with no long-term commitment from the team. By taking it off the table, DeCosta is saying: "We want you here for the long haul, and we're willing to prove it."

The center position has been undervalued for years. These guys do the dirty work in the trenches - calling protections, adjusting on the fly, anchoring against 350-pound nose tackles - and they rarely get the credit they deserve.

But smart teams know. The Kansas City Chiefs paid Humphrey because they understand that championship teams are built from the inside out. Now Baltimore is following that blueprint.

If the Ravens can lock up Linderbaum long-term, they'll have their offensive line anchored for the next decade. That's the kind of stability that helps you win Super Bowls.

And with Lamar Jackson in his prime, the Ravens know their window is now. You don't let elite offensive linemen walk out the door when you've got a franchise quarterback.

Baltimore is doing this the right way. They're identifying their core players, paying them what they're worth, and building a team that can compete for championships year after year.

That's what sports is all about, folks - investing in your foundation.