Ravens Make Surprising Move by Declining Tyler Linderbaum’s 5th-Year Option

In a move that raised a few eyebrows in the NFL community, the Baltimore Ravens announced they will not pick up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum’s rookie contract. On the surface, it might look like a red flag—but dig deeper, and it’s clear that this is a money move, not dissatisfaction. Linderbaum, 25, has been a steady presence on Baltimore’s O-line, and the Ravens signaled they still want him in purple and black for many years. It’s a gamble that illustrates how the framework of league contracts can put even superstars in temporary limbo.

Ravens Opting Out: A Strategic Gamble, Not a Goodbye

Fifth-year options in the NFL are usually a no-brainer for franchise teams who desire to retain superstars at a controlled cost. However, for offensive linemen, every spot falls into the same pay bin, regardless of whether a player protects the edge or hollers from the center. For Linderbaum, that meant a staggering $23.4 million price tag in 2026, which would have paid him more than any other center in the league by far. To put it in perspective, Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey already occupies that spot at $18 million per year.

That sort of high-dollar commitment just didn’t align with how teams think about centers. However, Baltimore’s front office was quick to say that this was not a complaint about Linderbaum’s play or future with the team. “It is our intention for him to remain a Baltimore Raven long term,” General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. The goal is now to negotiate a multi-year extension recognizing Linderbaum’s play and within the Ravens’ cap constraints—likely in the $17–18 million range annually.

From Draft Day to Dominance: Linderbaum’s Meteoric Rise

Selected 25th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft as part of a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, Linderbaum has exceeded expectations. With pressure to deliver as a first-round pick, he’s become one of the NFL’s best centers in just two seasons. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he anchors a Ravens offensive line that has driven a physical, run-heavy attack—while protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson in high-pressure situations.

What makes Linderbaum unique is his blend of intelligence, toughness, and athleticism. He consistently wins leverage fights and doesn’t miss an assignment, all while being one of the vocal leaders in the locker room. At just 25 years old, he’s already one of the top players in the league at his position. Few centers in the NFL possess his blend of athleticism and football IQ—making him a building block to build around.

There’s also something to be said about his mentality. When asked about contract talks during the offseason program, Linderbaum downplayed the situation, saying, “I’m giving my all to the team right now, and that’s my focus.” That team-first mindset only strengthens the Ravens’ desire to lock him in for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Though passing on the fifth-year option might look like a risk, it’s one of forward thinking. Linderbaum has already proven himself to be an investment worth making—it just needs to be on a deal where both sides are happy. Baltimore isn’t saying goodbye; they’re positioning themselves for a better, healthier tomorrow. Expect the negotiations to begin heating up soon because losing Linderbaum would be a mistake the Ravens simply can’t recover from.