The Las Vegas Raiders clearly think center Tyler Linderbaum is a game-changing player who can help turn the franchise around, signing him to a record-breaking contract on the first day of NFL free agency.
Linderbaum is leaving an organization, the Baltimore Ravens, that made the postseason in three out of his four career seasons and won two playoff games, joining a franchise that hasn’t been to the dance since he entered the league and hasn’t won a playoff game since he was two years old. But the NFL’s new highest-paid center is a believer in the Raiders’ new regime and looking forward to being part of the rebuild.
“Yeah, I think going through the process, just trying to find a team that’s suitable to my skill sets,” Linderbaum replied during his introductory press conference when asked about what he was looking for in free agency. “Coach [Klint] Kubiak — I’m excited with what he’s going to build here, something that I think will fit my play, and obviously, just the whole organization in itself I think is headed in the right direction, and something that I want to be a part of and build this program into a championship-level team.”
Another significant part of Las Vegas’ turnaround isn’t on the roster just yet, with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to be the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft. While Linderbaum didn’t talk about Mendoza specifically, he did weigh in on what it takes to build chemistry with a new person putting their hands under his butt and with the offense as a whole.
“Yeah, it’s going to take work,” the center explained. “Obviously, day one, it’s going to take everybody being on the same page, communication, laying the foundation of what needs to be done, the direction that we want to head, and ultimately, it takes the guys in the locker room to decide how good we want to be.”
Of course, the lineman was asked about the running game and building a relationship with second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, too.
“Yeah, super excited,” Linderbaum said. “I think, as an offensive lineman, that’s got to be your bread and butter, being able to run the football. It helps set up different things for success. And the O-line play, it’s a mindset; it’s having the right attitude of determination of what we’re trying to do to the defense, and it takes all five guys being on the same page. So, super excited to get with the guys in the building and kind of work towards our goals.”
As for how the Raiders can turn it around, Linderbaum said everyone needs to be themselves and “be as
consistent as we can be each and every day”.
In Other Raiders Links:
- Jalen Nailor a hidden gem?: “The former Michigan State receiver didn’t have a major role with the Vikings in Minnesota and has a chance to showcase his skill set with the Silver and Black,” S&BP’s Marcus Johnson wrote. “…One thing that stands out on film is the ability to run routes. Nailor does a great job selling routes using his eyes and can change directions quickly.”
- What makes Linderbaum a good fit with Kubiak?: “Coming out of Iowa, the former Hawkeye’s unique quickness and athleticism stood out as arguably his biggest selling points in the 2022 NFL draft class,” via S&BP. “Those traits are a perfect fit in a wide-zone heavy rushing attack like Kubiak’s.”
- Maxx Crosby no longer on the table: “Per a league source, the Raiders are currently telling teams that defensive end Maxx Crosby won’t be traded, in the aftermath of the failed effort to ship him to the Ravens for a pair of first-round picks,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote.
- John Spytek cooking: “Dean, Linderbaum and Walker are all 25; Paye and Nailor are 27. Johnson is 29 and only Gay is on the other side of 30,” Paul Gutierrez of the Raiders’ website wrote. “It’s one thing to bring in young guys. It’s another to bring in young guys who already know how to win.”
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