At the 2022 draft, Baltimore selected Linderbaum No. 25 overall out of Iowa, hoping to anchor the interior line for years. The Ravens have publicly indicated they’d like to retain him, but the feedback at the scouting combine suggests substantial interest for Linderbaum, with some projections placing yearly offers north of $20 million.
A competing concern for Baltimore is how far they’re willing to go in the market for a center. Creed Humphrey’s $18 million-per-year benchmark stands as the current ceiling for top centers, and Baltimore has acknowledged making a market-setting offer, though there’s skepticism that it will be enough if other teams push higher.
One potential challenger for Linderbaum’s services is the Los Angeles Chargers, who are actively seeking interior offensive line help. With Chargers leadership tied to former Ravens personnel, they represent a realistic threat to sign the standout center away, particularly if Baltimore’s bid remains conservative amid other urgent needs, such as guard upgrades.
If Linderbaum departs, the Ravens have several draft options to consider for the position, including several NCAA players who project as solid, mid-to-low first- or mid-round alternatives. While replacements exist, none currently match Linderbaum’s midfield impact, making his potential exit a significant organizational challenge.
Baltimore also faces the broader context of a shifting offensive line landscape, where stabilizing Linderbaum’s replacement would require careful evaluation and development. The team remains hopeful about re-signing him, but a high-stakes market could force difficult decisions as they balance free agency with long-term roster planning.
