The Baltimore Ravens have a host of roster decisions that they have to make in the coming months, with the biggest one being Lamar Jackson.
Set to count $74.5 million against the cap in 2026, the Ravens have to figure out how to get Lamar's cap hit down, whether through a restructure or an extension, because it isn't feasible for the team to carry that into next season.
But there's one other contract that Baltimore has to get right, and it's that of free agent center Tyler Linederbaum.
For ESPN's Matt Bowen, in his top 50 free agents of the offseason, Linderbaum is at No. 3.
"Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the interior of the front, using elite foot speed and body control to match pass rushers or climb to the second level in the run game," Bowen wrote. "His pass block win rate of 97.2% tied for second among 31 qualifying centers this season."
More: Ravens urged to poach $25 million sack monster from bitter rivals
Money key to Linderbaum deal
This deal can't be done until Lamar's contract is sorted. Once it does, Baltimore can move forward.
Spotrac.com has Lindebaum's calculated market value set at $17.7 million APY, so it will cost the Ravens a pretty penny to keep their center around.
But it isn't a position you want to be fiddling with. Lamar has good chemistry with Linderbaum, not to mention he's one of the best centers in football.
So, the Ravens know they must keep him around, and they also know it will cost a lot to make it happen.
But will they?
More NFL news:
- Jimmy Johnson has explosive NSFW rant over former Patriots HC Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub
- Drake Maye injury update: Concerns for Patriots QB
- Chiefs coach unknowingly drops monster update on Travis Kelce's future
- Dolphins predicted to replace Tua Tagovailoa with backup QB
- Buccaneers' Mike Evans has 1 suitor in NFL free agency
- Why Bills' Joe Brady has hardest job in football in 2026