The Las Vegas Raiders announced a landmark deal with former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, signing him to a three-year, $81 million contract that makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history. This strategic move follows the Raiders’ recent trade that sent two first-round picks to the Ravens for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Linderbaum, who was CBS Sports’ top free agent, is expected to bolster a struggling offensive line and help improve team performance after a disappointing 2025 season.
By the NumbersLinderbaum’s contract averages $27 million per year, surpassing the previous record by $9 million.He ranked No. 4 in run blocking and No. 20 in pass blocking, with an 80.2 PFF grade. State of PlayThe Raiders finished the 2025 season with the worst offensive line, needing an urgent upgrade.Linderbaum is the fifth highest-paid offensive lineman overall in the NFL. What’s Next
The Raiders are expected to continue enhancing their offensive line to support their new rookie quarterback and improve rushing performance. The Ravens will seek new center talent, potentially utilizing draft picks to fill the gap left by Linderbaum’s departure.
Bottom Line
Tyler Linderbaum’s signing signals a major commitment from the Raiders to revamp their offensive strategy and protect their quarterback, while placing significant pressure on the Ravens to find a replacement in a competitive free agency market.