Insider Reveals Ravens ‘Tricky’ Contract Situation With Star Pending Free Agent
The Baltimore Ravens are battling their way back into the playoff picture after a very slow start to the 2025 campaign, as they have won three straight games to push their record back to 4-5. Considering how the team entered the year with Super Bowl expectations, anything short of a deep playoff run would be considered a catastrophic result for Baltimore.
There are several reasons why the 2025 campaign is so important for the Ravens. One is simply that once the season ends, the team could end up losing some key players, such as star center Tyler Linderbaum, who is set to hit free agency over the offseason. Baltimore would obviously love to keep Linderbaum in town, but one NFL insider revealed why it may have trouble doing so.
Ravens Facing Tyler Linderbaum Contract Dilemma
The Ravens selected Linderbaum with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft with the hope that he would become their center of the future. In his fourth season now, Linderbaum has quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league at his position, as he’s earned two straight Pro Bowls thanks to his play up front for Baltimore.
While Linderbaum had a fifth-year option in his contract, the Ravens’ front office declined it, meaning he is scheduled to hit free agency this upcoming offseason. The team obviously is happy with Linderbaum’s play, but the problem is that the salary for the fifth-year options for offensive linemen is that it is the same across the board, regardless of position. So if Baltimore exercised Linderbaum’s option, it would have been paying him the sort of money tackles receive.
Again, that doesn’t necessarily mean the team doesn’t want to keep him in town, but it sets the stage for some complex negotiations over the offseason. One NFL insider, Dan Graziano of ESPN, noted that while the team has had discussions with Linderbaum about a new contract, it could ultimately be priced out of his market should he hit free agency.
“Baltimore has had discussions with Linderbaum about a long-term contract, and it’s possible they will reach an agreement that keeps him off the market,” Dan Graziano of ESPN reported. “Linderbaum is a tricky case, though, because of how centers are compensated. He’s a critical part of their offense, but would they make him the league’s highest-paid center? Currently, that title belongs to Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey at $18 million per year.”
Should the Ravens Hand Tyler Linderbaum a Contract Extension?
GettyOne NFL insider believes the Ravens could have a tough time re-signing Tyler Linderbaum over the offseason
The NFL’s unique fifth-year option setup for offensive linemen has put the Ravens in a bind with Linderbaum. In a perfect world, the team would have been able to exercise its option and kick these extension talks down the line. Instead, this situation is going to have to be resolved soon, or else the team could risk losing Linderbaum for nothing in free agency.
It’s tough to see Baltimore letting Linderbaum leave in free agency, but if push comes to shove, the front office may have no choice. Linderbaum could be looking to become the highest-paid center in the league, and while he’s a great player, it remains to be seen if he’s deserving of that title. One way or another, the Ravens have a tough decision to make with Linderbaum that will be worth keeping tabs on once the offseason gets underway.
Bears’ Ben Johnson Sends Bold Message to Vikings: ‘We’re Ready for the Challenge!’
As the Chicago Bears prepare for their Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Ben Johnson, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, is sending a strong message to the team and their fans:
"We’re not backing down from anyone — especially the Vikings," Johnson declared in a recent interview. "This offense is firing on all cylinders, and we’re going to show them exactly what we can do. We’re ready for the challenge."
The Bears have been in a rebuilding phase, but their offense has shown significant growth under Johnson’s leadership. With a dynamic quarterback like Caleb Williams, who has been showing off his dual-threat abilities, and a solid group of playmakers surrounding him, the Bears’ offense has become one of the more dangerous units in the league. Johnson has been instrumental in bringing out the best in his players, and his confidence is palpable as the team enters this pivotal divisional clash.
The Vikings, with their renowned defense, are always a formidable opponent. Led by their stout front seven and secondary, Minnesota is known for creating turnovers and applying constant pressure. However, Johnson is unfazed by the challenge. He believes the Bears have the tools to exploit the Vikings’ defense and take control of the game. Johnson’s offense has developed an impressive balance of passing and rushing, and he’s confident in their ability to keep the Vikings on their toes.
"We’ve seen what they can do defensively, but we’ve done our homework," Johnson continued. "We know how to attack and create mismatches. It’s all about executing our game plan and staying disciplined. If we do that, we’ll put ourselves in a great position to win."
For Johnson and the Bears, this game is not just about proving themselves against a tough opponent, but about continuing their upward trajectory as a team. A win against the Vikings could be a significant statement and a major step forward in their rebuilding process. The Bears are looking to not just compete, but to win, and they know this is their moment to show the league that they’re ready to make noise in the NFC North.
With the confidence and determination Johnson is instilling in his players, the Bears are poised to take on the challenge. The offense has been clicking, the defense is stepping up, and now it’s time to see if the Bears can back up Johnson’s bold words with a decisive performance on the field. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown with the Vikings, and the Bears are eager to prove they’re up for the challenge.
