Andrew Buller-Russ
NFL free agency has a tendency to shatter expectations. Talented players hit the open market, and teams with needs are eager to fill them, no matter the cost.
The Las Vegas Raiders are ushering in a new era with a first-year head coach in Klint Kubiak. Soon enough, they’re expected to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, they’re giving their offense a huge boost.
According to The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini, the Raiders are signing center Tyler Linderbaum. The 25-year-old was a strong candidate to be re-signed by the Ravens, but the three-time Pro Bowler was highly coveted, with the Browns and Commanders also registering interest.
However, it was the Raiders who landed one of the NFL’s top free agents by inking Linderbaum to a record-setting contract for a center. He’s being signed to a three-year, $81 million contract. The NFL’s second-highest-paid center is now two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey, who averages $18 million per season.
Still, the Raiders are getting an excellent player in Linderbaum, who may still have more room for growth. Center is also an extremely important position in coach Kubiak’s offense.
Center is an enormously important position in Klint Kubiak's offense, and Tyler Linderbaum is a fit for his scheme in just about every way. B/c of how the system works, having Linderbaum will be huge for (presumably) Fernando Mendoza.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2026
It's a ton of money. But a logical overpay. https://t.co/oJOcl5x2sp
Linderbaum is not only effective, but he’s also durable, having missed just two games since becoming the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now he’ll be a big part of the Raiders’ future, helping form a pocket for Mendoza for years to come.
Related: Why the Raiders Were Right to Trade Maxx Crosby for Two First-Round Picks
