Posted on Mar 09

Raiders sign C Linderbaum to record 3-year, $81 million deal, highest for interior lineman

Posted Mar 9, 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a groundbreaking three-year, $81 million deal, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.

Why it matters: This monumental contract not only underscores Linderbaum's exceptional performance but also highlights the evolving value placed on top-tier offensive linemen in today’s NFL landscape.

With $60 million guaranteed, Linderbaum's deal reflects the Raiders' commitment to fortifying their offensive line, critical for both protecting the quarterback and establishing a robust running game.
The move comes in the wake of Baltimore Ravens’ decision to decline Linderbaum's fifth-year option, which was projected at $23.4 million, underscoring how quickly personnel decisions can shift in the league.

What’s new: Linderbaum’s acquisition is particularly noteworthy as he has established himself as one of the premier centers since entering the league.

Selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he became the first center in Ravens history to be drafted in the first round.
Over his short career, Linderbaum has accumulated accolades including three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2023 to 2025, the first Ravens offensive lineman to achieve this feat since Marshal Yanda (2011-2016).

By the numbers: Linderbaum's statistical performance further cements his status as an elite player within his position group.

He boasts a 96.2% pass block win rate, ranking second among centers, while his run block win rate of 71.2% places him seventh in the NFL.
Last season, he was instrumental in the Ravens averaging 156.6 rushing yards per game, the second-best in the league, and facilitating a league-high 5.3 yards per carry.

Yes, but: Despite his impressive achievements, the decision by the Ravens not to extend Linderbaum's contract raises questions about their long-term strategy regarding high-performing players.

This marks the second instance in franchise history where they failed to retain a multiple Pro Bowl first-round pick after their rookie deal, following linebacker C.J. Mosley in 2019.
The Ravens choice may reflect a broader trend within the league regarding financial management and positional value, particularly for interior linemen.

What’s next: For the Raiders, integrating Linderbaum into their offensive scheme could significantly impact their play-calling and overall team dynamics.

As they look to bolster their offensive front, Linderbaum's presence is likely to enhance the effectiveness of both the passing game and running attack, providing newfound stability at the center position.
The Raiders will need to work diligently to ensure that Linderbaum meshes well with their existing roster and system, especially under the guidance of head coach Josh McDaniels.

The bottom line: Tyler Linderbaum's record-setting contract symbolizes both his individual talent and the changing landscape of player valuation in the NFL, particularly for offensive linemen who play a crucial role in a team's success.

Raiders sign C Linderbaum to record 3-year, $81 million deal, highest for interior lineman

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 9, 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a groundbreaking three-year, $81 million deal, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.

With $60 million guaranteed, Linderbaum's deal reflects the Raiders' commitment to fortifying their offensive line, critical for both protecting the quarterback and establishing a robust running game.

The move comes in the wake of Baltimore Ravens’ decision to decline Linderbaum's fifth-year option, which was projected at $23.4 million, underscoring how quickly personnel decisions can shift in the league.

What’s new: Linderbaum’s acquisition is particularly noteworthy as he has established himself as one of the premier centers since entering the league.

Selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he became the first center in Ravens history to be drafted in the first round.

Over his short career, Linderbaum has accumulated accolades including three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2023 to 2025, the first Ravens offensive lineman to achieve this feat since Marshal Yanda (2011-2016).

By the numbers: Linderbaum's statistical performance further cements his status as an elite player within his position group.

He boasts a 96.2% pass block win rate, ranking second among centers, while his run block win rate of 71.2% places him seventh in the NFL.

Last season, he was instrumental in the Ravens averaging 156.6 rushing yards per game, the second-best in the league, and facilitating a league-high 5.3 yards per carry.

Yes, but: Despite his impressive achievements, the decision by the Ravens not to extend Linderbaum's contract raises questions about their long-term strategy regarding high-performing players.

This marks the second instance in franchise history where they failed to retain a multiple Pro Bowl first-round pick after their rookie deal, following linebacker C.J. Mosley in 2019.

The Ravens choice may reflect a broader trend within the league regarding financial management and positional value, particularly for interior linemen.

What’s next: For the Raiders, integrating Linderbaum into their offensive scheme could significantly impact their play-calling and overall team dynamics.

As they look to bolster their offensive front, Linderbaum's presence is likely to enhance the effectiveness of both the passing game and running attack, providing newfound stability at the center position.

The Raiders will need to work diligently to ensure that Linderbaum meshes well with their existing roster and system, especially under the guidance of head coach Josh McDaniels.