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, is saying:
