Mink: We’ve had contract extensions in back-to-back weeks – first Mark Andrews and then Travis Jones. Can the Ravens and General Manager Eric DeCosta go 3-for-3?
I think it’s possible it gets done before the season ends, and my hunch is that it at least happens before Linderbaum would hit the open market in March.
We all know that Linderbaum is a great player. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and could be again after this season. Among full-time starting centers this year, Linderbaum has the NFL’s fifth-best offensive grade from Pro Football Focus.
The Ravens would be well-served keeping the anchor of their offensive line, just as they retained left tackle Ronnie Stanley last offseason. The Ravens’ guard play this season has been inconsistent and removing Linderbaum from the equation would threaten to weaken the interior blocking.
Linderbaum is also the type of guy that the Ravens have shown they want to lock up long-term. He’s a hard worker, somebody who never misses a practice or game, and is highly respected among his teammates. He’s a Raven.
The flip side is you can’t pay everyone. Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens signed a four-year extension this offseason worth $68 million, for a $17 million/year average with $23 million guaranteed. Can the Ravens afford a similar contract for Linderbaum after inking other guys and with more pending free agents to pay?
Also, the Ravens have a talented (and cheaper) center on the roster in Corey Bullock. They could opt to give Bullock a crack at the starting job if they had to cut corners somewhere.
The Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option in April for financial reasons, because he would’ve had a massive $23.4 million salary cap number in 2026. At the time, DeCosta said, “it is our intention for [Linderbaum] to remain a Baltimore Raven long term.” I believe that will ultimately happen.
