With free agency just around the corner, this is the time of year where nearly every pending free agent is linked to any number of teams. This year, two names in particular are being talked about more than others: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
Rather than speculating on all of the rumors surrounding Crosby and his situation out west, we are going to focus on the player that is actually facing free agency in Linderbaum. Entering his fifth year in the NFL, Linderbaum has been one of the best centers in the game for a few years now. Despite that, the Ravens still chose not to use the franchise tag on him, meaning he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Luckily for Linderbaum, he appears to be hitting the open market at a fantastic time. There are several teams in need of a high-end starting center, including the Detroit Lions. As of now, most project him to sign a deal that has an average annual value of $20M to $25M per year.
So, knowing that there is going to be some pretty fierce competition, are you in favor of giving Linderbaum a top-of-market contract once free agency kicks off next week?
My answer: I am all for throwing a bag at Linderbaum and seeing what happens. We have heard it time and time again—everything starts with the offensive line in Detroit. The unit took a step back in 2025 following the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, and signing a cornerstone type of player like Linderbaum would go a long way towards restoring the group to its former glory.
With that said, we know that the Lions’ roster is not getting any less expensive, especially considering the fact that most expect them to issue two more long-term extensions in the near future to running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell.
Still, it feels like the right time to make this kind of move. Get the offensive line back where it needs to be, and a lot of the other things should fall into place.
What do you think? Should the Lions sign Linderbaum once free agency opens up next week? Let us know in the comments below.
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