Reports indicate that projected starting center Corey Bullock is expected to fully recover from offseason surgery. Bullock, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound former undrafted free agent out of Maryland, joined the Ravens in 2024 and spent his rookie year on the practice squad before appearing in 16 games in 2025. Insiders indicate the procedure was not knee or shoulder related and that Bullock could be back relatively soon.
Bullock would have been a strong candidate to start at center if the team had a game tomorrow, given his scope of play. During 2025, he logged 16 appearances, though most of that work came on special teams, with only 13 offensive snaps. His college career was shorter at the Power Five level, with the first three seasons spent at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU.
The Ravens previously lost a marquee piece at the center position when 3-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency for a record-setting contract with another team. Linderbaum’s impact in the run game was notable, and while his pass protection showed room for improvement, his interior rushing defense was a standout. This transition has raised questions about replacing a seamless interior presence at center, and there is concern about a potential revolving door at the spot in 2026 if the team cannot stabilize the position.
With Bullock’s injury news, a prominent free-agent addition has emerged as a potential replacement. Danny Pinter, who signed with Baltimore this offseason, has been viewed by some observers as the leading candidate to take over at center. Reports from team coverage and offseason assessments have highlighted Pinter as a standout riser after the summer workouts, suggesting he could win the starting job.
Pinter previously spent six seasons with another NFL franchise, where he competed for a starting role before signing with the Ravens on a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. In recent updates, analysts noted that Pinter could be the frontrunner to replace Linderbaum, a development that would solidify the interior line if he continues to progress in training camp and preseason games.
As the Ravens plan to open the 2026 season, the center position remains a key area to watch. The team will likely prioritize a combination of durability, consistency in the interior rushing attack, and improved pass protection to maximize the effectiveness of their offense. If Bullock is unavailable for early actions, Pinter’s performance in camp and preseason will be crucial to determining the opening lineup.
Key takeaways:
– Center depth and health are critical as Baltimore rebuilds its interior line after Linderbaum’s departure.
– Bullock is expected to return from offseason surgery without long-term implications, potentially retaining a rostered role.
– Danny Pinter is emerging as a strong contender to start at center if Bullock is not ready or if the coaching staff prefers his skill set.
– The Ravens must establish a stable, productive interior line to support a run-heavy offensive scheme and to improve in pass protection.
This offseason (and into training camp), all eyes will be on how Baltimore stabilizes the center position and builds around it to return to playoff contention in 2026.
