Tyler Linderbaum is next in line for a monster payday, and he deserves every penny.
The Philadelphia Eagles just handed Cam Jurgens a $68 million bag to lock down the middle of their offensive line for the next four years. That’s $17 million per year for a guy who’s started one season at center. Very good player, great trajectory. But now it’s time to talk about the bigger fish in the pond.
Linderbaum teeters on "best center in the NFL." Since the day he arrived in Baltimore, the Ravens’ interior offensive line has held its own. He’s been a Pro Bowler twice, a tone-setter in the run game, and a technician in pass protection. And just like Jurgens, he’s heading into a contract situation that’s going to test Baltimore’s cap gymnastics.
There’s no rush on either side yet. The Ravens will almost certainly pick up Linderbaum’s fifth-year option by May 2, locking in a one-year, $23.4 million deal for 2026 if no long-term extension is in place. But they’d be wise to lock him up before then. Because with each passing month, the price tag only climbs higher.
Tyler Linderbaum has Cam Jurgens to thank for potential massive payday
When Jurgens inked his extension on Monday, it was a pretty clear sign for what's to come when Linderbaum eventually begins extension talks with Eric DeCosta. A four-year deal worth $68 million with $39.4 million guaranteed? That feels like the new floor. And considering Linderbaum’s resume (and room for even more growth), Baltimore better be prepared to go higher just in case.
Per PFF, Linderbaum ranks fourth among all centers in overall grade since 2022. He’s been top-10 in pass blocking, and he was the third-most valuable center in the league by PFF WAR in 2024. He’s not just some guy on the line. He is the guy. The guy who took over, dominated, and never looked back.
As salary cap expert Brian McFarland put it: “APY = $17M/yr. This will likely be a good comparable for an extension for Tyler Linderbaum.”
And here’s where it gets tricky. The Ravens are already financially handcuffed with major deals handed out to Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Nnamdi Madubuike. Kyle Hamilton—the do-it-all unicorn on the other side of the ball—is also due for an extension. Isaiah Likely and Odafe Oweh? Their rookie deals end after 2025, too.
The window to win is still wide open, but it’s starting to get expensive.
That’s why locking up Linderbaum sooner rather than later makes sense. It provides clarity. It avoids a cap-smashing fifth-year option. And it keeps your All-Pro quarterback protected by one of the most technically sound centers in football.
Linderbaum’s not asking for the moon. But the Eagles just handed one of their own $68 million after one impressive season at center. So what’s the price for a guy who’s been elite on arrival?
Whatever the number ends up being, the Ravens should be ready to pay it. If you think they’re running for 3,000 yards again without Linderbaum anchoring the line, you’re sadly mistaken. Is it any surprise Lamar’s two best passing seasons have come with Linderbaum making Pro Bowls? Time to pay up.
