The Raiders are reportedly set to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, and their top offseason priority is clear: add weapons around him and, crucially, protect him. After last season’s struggles, the goal is to give Mendoza a more reliable line of protection and better run and pass blocking.
Offensively, Las Vegas faced significant protection issues, with their line ranking 22nd in both pass-block win rate and run-block win rate, according to ESPN. Addressing the line becomes essential to prevent a repeat of 55 sacks in a season and to support Mendoza’s development.
One avenue the Raiders could pursue is free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum, widely regarded as the top interior blocker available. Linderbaum, a 25-year-old former Ravens first-round pick, finished 2025 as PFF’s No. 1-rated center and has posted strong run-blocking grades, along with solid pass-block grades above 60.0 in three straight seasons.
The Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option in April, a move ESPN’s Jamison Hensley attributed to a high financial commitment rather than a lack of performance. That context could give Las Vegas an opening to sign him in free agency and immediately upgrade the middle of its line.
Spotrac projects a four-year, $70.9 million contract for Linderbaum, roughly $17.7 million per year. While the price tag reflects his elite upside, landing a 25-year-old center of his caliber would be a significant long-term investment for a Raiders team rebuilding around Mendoza.
If Las Vegas can pull off a move for Linderbaum, pairing him with Mendoza would establish a foundation for the offense as it grows and evolves. The cap space, combined with an aggressive but measured approach, positions the Raiders to pursue targeted upgrades that address both protection and production this offseason.
