Thoughts on Raiders signing Tyler Linderbaum

The Las Vegas Raiders made a huge splash in free agency, signing Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum to a record contract.

Let’s look more into what the addition means:

Perfect fit:

Linderbaum was one of the top prizes on the open market, regardless of position, and there was a major reason why the Raiders’ targeted him. He’s a great fit for new head coach Klint Kubiak’s system and he fills a major need as the Raiders badly needed to overhaul their offensive line. He is an excellent run blocker

and has allowed just five sacks in NFL seasons. He’s an upper-level player at the position, This was a move that needed to happen.

Expensive but needed:

Yes, Linderbaum was incredibly expensive. He is signing a three-year, $81 million deal with $60 million in guaranteed money. He is making $9 million more than any other center and $3 million more than any guard in the league. Yes, it’s an overpay, but in this case, it’s OK. Linderbaum himself cost more than the Raiders spent in free agency last year. The Raiders had the most salary-cap room in the league. they need to spend to reach the cap floor and they had a huge need at the position. So, it was necessary at a steep price no other team was willing to reach.

Helps the key pieces of offense:

The Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Pairing a top center with a rookie quarterback is smart business. Plus, Linderbaum will help create much-needed room for 2025 No. 6 pick, running back Ashton Jeanty. This was an investment in the future of the franchise’s offense.

Worked out perfectly for Linderbaum:

The Ravens didn’t give him the fifth-year option last year because it was $23.4 million. The franchise tag this year for offensive lineman was more than $25 million. The Ravens publicly stated last month they were offering Linderbaum a market-setting contract. But he and his agent knew major riches would be available on the open market. Players this good usually don’t hit free agency, but Linderbaum wiggled free and is being rewarded big time.

JPJ’s future:

Linderbaum’s signing means third-year player Jackson Powers-Johnson’s future is at guard. He was expected to be the center when drafted and played there some. But he remains guard and ESPN has reported the team isn’t planning to trade him. By the accounts of everything, Powers-Johnson seems to be on board.

More O-line help on way?

The Raiders seem set with Linderbaum, Powers-Johnson and left tackle Kolton Miller. They could add at guard and right tackle or stick with Calen Rogers and DJ Glaze. With there being a high-injury rate for offensive linemen, I’d think the Raiders will need to add more here.

Different than other big splashes?

The Raiders have made big trades and big free-agent signing of late and they didn’t work out. I bet this one does. Think like the Rodney Hudson deal a decade ago.

Bonus to signing?

The Ravens will have it replace Linderbaum. His loss could be huge. The Raiders hope so as they own their 2027 first-round pick in 2027 because of the Maxx Crosby trade.