Linderbaum is slated to join the Raiders on a three-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Per Schefter, Linderbaum's three-year, $81 million deal includes $60 million guaranteed and makes him the highest paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. In that context, the center is slated to anchor a Las Vegas offensive line that is likely to be working on front of young QB Fernando Mendoza, assuming the Raiders take the Indiana product with the top overall pick in April's NFL draft.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said Tuesday that Baltimore has made a market-setting offer to impending free agent Linderbaum, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports. DeCosta added that the Ravens will not be using the franchise or transition tag on Linderbaum. While Baltimore is working hard to retain its starting center, there's a chance he'll opt to test free agency and see what else is out there in two weeks. Linderbaum has missed just two starts since he was taken with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 Draft by the Ravens.
The Ravens won't exercise Linderbaum's fifth-year option, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. According to Hensley, Baltimore's decision to decline Linderbaum's fifth-year option is purely financial and not performance-based. If the option had been exercised, the 2022 first-round pick out of Iowa would have earned $23.4 million in 2026, which is $5.4 million more than the NFL's highest-paid center. Linderbaum has been one of the league's best offensive linemen over the past two seasons, making consecutive Pro Bowls and starting 32 regular-season games. Expect the Ravens to pursue an extension in the near future rather than letting Linderbaum walk following the 2025 season.