The Baltimore Ravens found two absolute gems in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Highlighting one of their first-round gems is their 25th overall pick, center Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum has developed into one of the league’s best centers in the National Football League, earning him two Pro Bowl selections in the past two seasons. Finally, the Pro Bowler has demonstrated his abilities as the long-term answer at the center position.
The Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler is eligible for an extension
Since he has completed his third regular season in the NFL, Tyler Linderbaum is eligible for a contract extension immediately per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the CBA. Also, since he’s a first-round pick, Linderbaum has a 5th-year fully guaranteed option attached to his contract for the 2026 season, which the Ravens must decide whether to exercise or decline by early May. Although the official value hasn’t been announced, Over The Cap projects his 5th-year option to be worth $25,156,000 because he has made multiple Pro Bowls, and the value is essentially the same as the franchise tag for offensive linemen.
If the front office were to exercise his option, he would be the highest-paid center in history, surpassing Creed Humphrey’s $18 million APY for the 2026 season.
The Ravens are interested in extending their 2x Pro Bowl offensive lineman
During Wednesday’s press conference, general manager Eric DeCosta was asked how much of a priority it will be to extend players from the 2022 draft class, which includes Tyler Linderbaum. DeCosta told the media they will work on extending players this offseason. He also said the goal is for them to retain as many good young players as they can.
“Well, we’ll work on that,” DeCosta said, via the team’s website. “I mean, I think I sat up here in 2019 and said we’re going to try to retain as many of our good young players as we can, and I think we’ve done that. I’m proud of that, and I think you’ll see that continue this offseason.”
