The Baltimore Ravens drafted an absolute gem and a key contributor on offense in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting Tyler Linderbaum 25th overall. Since then, Linderbaum has developed into one of the league’s top centers in his first three seasons, including two consecutive Pro Bowl selections on the original ballot. He is coming off an incredible third season, allowing 16 pressures and zero sacks while posting an 82.5 run-blocking grade and a 78.1 overall PFF grade.
Since he was a first-round pick, he has a fully guaranteed 5th-year option attached to his contract, which the Ravens had to decide whether to exercise or decline by May 1. Because he made two Pro Bowls, he is categorized under Tier 4, the equivalent of the franchise tag for an offensive lineman.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft Class: Picks 25-31
The Baltimore Ravens made their decision on Wednesday
In a surprising twist, the Ravens declined Tyler Linderbaum’s 5th-year option for the 2026 season. This move might come as a surprise to some since he is already one of the league’s top centers throughout his first three seasons in the NFL, and exercising it appears to be a no-brainer. However, there is a key reason why the Ravens (smartly) opted against picking it up.
Here’s why the Baltimore Ravens declined his 5th-year option
It turns out that centers and interior offensive linemen do not have different 5th-year option values than offensive tackles, as all offensive linemen are grouped together. Because of this, if the Ravens were to exercise Tyler Linderbaum’s 5th-year option, he would become the highest-paid center in NFL history, making $23.4 million in 2026. For context, Creed Humphrey is currently the highest-paid center, making $18 million APY.
The Baltimore Ravens want to retain him long-term
General Manager Eric DeCosta released a statement on Wednesday, stating that the Ravens intend to sign their Pro Bowl center to a long-term contract extension this offseason. DeCosta went on to say they want Lindebaum to stay with Baltimore in the long term. If they don’t agree to a contract extension before the 2025 season concludes, he is scheduled to hit free agency next offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
“It is our intention for him to remain a Raven long term,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.
Also Read: “We’ll Work on That”: Baltimore Ravens Interested in Extending Elite 2x Pro Bowl Offensive Lineman
