OTL: Tyler Linderbaum About to Splash into Free Agency

The countdown to NFL free agency continues, and Ravens fans are right there with the supporters of the 31 other squads in putting together a wish list. Our first, before anything else can get done, is that Lamar Jackson extension, which would free up 20+ million dollars in cap space.

For more details on how much exactly, plus what could be gained by restructures and/or releases of other candidates, don’t miss Brian McFarland’s piece here.

Ravens 2026 Salary Cap Preview

That’s the first domino that needs to fall. There was some optimism that an announcement was imminent last week, as Jackson posted a picture of himself boarding a plane on his Instagram page. It was a picture from one of the team’s “wheels up” galleries prior to away games, but that didn’t stop Ravens fans from reading the tea leaves and hoping it meant good news was shortly to follow.

However, he posted it last Tuesday, and almost a week later we’ve hear nothing. So, likely much ado about nothing.

Moving from Jackson to the guy he gets the ball from, another player high on Baltimore’s priority list is center Tyler Linderbaum, who is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Unfortunately, Brian doesn’t have much optimism there.

I tend to agree with this. Anyone thinking he’s getting signed for $16-17M a year is way off base IMO. I’d guess it’s going to be closer to $20M+ a yr. https://t.co/5rkkNFtOTq

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) February 13, 2026

It’s certainly not ideal to have to replace all three interior OL spots in the same offseason, but that seems to be the likeliest outcome toward which the Ravens are hurtling. (If you’re curious why tagging Lindy – even just “temporarily” to have more time to work on a deal – isn’t in the cards, here’s Brian from the piece linked above:)

While the Ravens would most certainly like to retain C Tyler Linderbaum, the Franchise Tag is probably not an option given that the Franchise Tag amount for Linderbaum would be based on the salaries of all offensive lineman, not just centers. As a result, the Tag for offensive lineman is essentially based on the salaries of offensive tackles, who greatly out earn centers. The Franchise Tag offensive linemen is estimated to be around $27M, while the highest paid center makes just $18M per year. As such, tagging Linderbaum would set an artificially high starting point for negotiations. Alternatively, Linderbaum might just be inclined to accept the Franchise Tag amount and sit on the Ravens Cap at $27M for 2026.

So get that idea out of your head. Probably not a bad idea to start brushing up on free agent centers.

Spotrac estimate’s Lindy’s market value as the highest on that list (though lower than Brian and others expect him to sign for), followed by Connor McGovern (BUF), Cade Mays (CAR), and Ethan Pocic (CLE).

Finally, a quick glance at the other side of the ball. We got news of a release this morning…

The Dolphins are releasing veteran edge Bradley Chubb, per source. pic.twitter.com/u0Lscp3rxI

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 16, 2026

Bradley Chubb, 29, is a guy many Ravens fans were interested in seeing EDC work out a trade for at the deadline. After missing 2024 with a torn ACL, Chubb led the Fins with 8.5 sacks last season. Could he reunite with his former defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in Baltimore? As he’s being released, he won’t count against the compensatory pick formula, which we know is always a consideration around here.

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