NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until 4 p.m. ET on March 11. However, the league has a legal tampering period that begins two days before and teams are making the most of it. We’ve seen Tua Tagovailoa be released and signed by a new team in the span of an hour, reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Las Vegas Raiders not shy away from spending to shore up a team that finished last in the league last season.
One of those big signings? Center Tyler Linderbaum, who agreed to a three-year, $81 million contract to head to Las Vegas. The deal also includes $60 million in guaranteed money and is the largest contract for an interior lineman in NFL history.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Linderbaum with the 25th pick in the 2022 draft. It was the first time the Ravens took a center in the first round, and Linderbaum immediately proved his value on the field.
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Since entering the league, Linderbaum’s pass-blocking success rate of 96.2% is the second-best in that span. He is also a top ten run blocker in that period.
In Baltimore, Linderbaum blocked Lamar Jackson’s pass and blocked Derrick Henry’s run. Jackson is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league and excels at keeping plays alive with his feet. Henry, despite some fumble issues this season, has rushed for 3,616 yards and 32 touchdowns in two years with the Ravens.
Linderbaum will work with less experienced staff in Las Vegas. The Raiders have the first overall pick in the draft and will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Ashton Jeanty had a strong rookie season, finishing with 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. He will look to improve with a season under his belt and a strong player like Linderbaum anchoring the line.
The Raiders also signed wide receiver Jalen Nailor to a three-year contract, as well as several defensive players, including linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, plus defensive end Kwity Paye.
It’s never fun to have the worst record in the NFL. The Raiders are showing they have no qualms about spending to try to get better, and Linderbaum is their most valuable addition.