The Washington Commanders face a pivotal free agency period. Radio host JP Finlay believes they must make a substantial offer to former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
“Starting with the Tyler Linderbaum stuff. I think it was a surprise to all parties when they released Tyler Biadasz. My thoughts were one or two things. Either they’re making a run at Linderbaum either target Linderbaum, who I had two different independent talent evaluators at the Combine called the best player available in free agency.”
Biadasz quickly signed with the Chargers after starting 31 games; the team saved $2.8 million by letting him go, creating room for Linderbaum. GM Adam Peters could now land an elite offensive player. Though Linderbaum touches the ball more than anyone, he doesn’t score points directly.
Still, signing a 25-year-old center, widely viewed as the best, could be Peters’ biggest achievement. It could signal to the fanbase that the Commanders are looking to win now. Not to mention, adding a youthful cornerstone will also help build for the future.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Ravens FA C Tyler Linderbaum will become the NFL’s highest-paid center, with Baltimore, the #Raiders, the #Commanders and others still circling. pic.twitter.com/3qNhpFLbCf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2026
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Signing Linderbaum Would Set a New Standard and Break Preconceived Notions
Teams usually pay for guards, especially left tackles; centers often get overlooked. Yet Linderbaum’s youth, skill, and accolades may be too tempting for the Commanders to ignore.
“He won’t earn the most money. Malik Willis is a quarterback, and Alec Pierce is a wide receiver Alec Pierce will. Ignore positional salary differences.”
Currently, Humphrey leads all centers in salary after a four-year, $72 million deal in August 2024, including $50 million guaranteed and an $18 million signing bonus. Reports suggest Linderbaum might exceed that. Is he worth it?
GettyPotential Commanders free agent target Tyler Linderbaum run blocking during game against Miami Dolphins.
Linderbaum’s Skillset Fits New Offense
In Baltimore, Linderbaum snapped to a mobile, deep-throwing quarterback. With similar conditions, Jayden Daniels could grow as a passer, given a cleaner middle. Linderbaum is a decent pass protector, but an outstanding run blocker per Pro Football Focus, but those metrics may not account for the unique challenges of blocking for a mobile QB.
Linderbaum can’t always see what Jackson does, yet he still clears defenders and keeps lanes open. He consistently tracks rushers, knowing he may need to block the same player multiple times due to QB movement. In essence, that could also prevent Daniels from absorbing violent hits. When a rusher gets a free, legal shot on a quarterback, they will take it.
New offensive coordinator David Blough wants big plays, meaning Daniels must throw deep. That requires time in the pocket and lets receivers find separation. Blough also wants to target Terry McLaurin at least ten times per game.
Linderbaum isn’t the biggest center, but he excels for two reasons. He uses his feet better than most, ideal for a mobile quarterback requiring a mobile center. As an All-Pro, he stands out for his technical skill, leverage, intelligence, and power. He anticipates plays and adapts to mobile quarterbacks’ unpredictability.
GettyCneter Tyler Linderbaum celebrates a touchdown duringa 2023 game agiants the Detroit Lions.
The Long-Range Plan Could Solidify the Team
If the Commanders offer over $20 million annually for five years, they solidify their interior line. Linderbaum would be 31 when the deal ends, giving the team flexibility to re-sign or move on. Daniels needs better blocking after an injury-plagued 2025 to rebound and silence doubters. Will Peters make a lucrative offer to attract Linderbaum?
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