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 beginning a new era with a first-year head coach in Clint Kubiak. Soon, they are expected to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, they are giving their offense a huge boost.
according to athleticDiana Russini, signing the Raiders 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 signing Linderbaum to a record-setting contract for a center. He is 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 is averaging $18 million per season.
Still, the Raiders are getting an excellent player in Linderbaum who may still have more room for development. Center is also an extremely important position in Coach Kubiak’s attack.
Center is an extremely important position in Clint Kubiak’s offense, and Tyler Linderbaum fits his scheme in almost every way. Depending on how the system works, having Linderbaum be (potentially) huge for Fernando Mendoza.
That’s a lot of money. But a logical overpayment. https://t.co/oJOcl5x2sp
– Albert Breyer (@albertbreyer) 9 March 2026
Linderbaum is not only effective, but he is also durable, having missed just two games since becoming the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now he will be a big part of the Raiders’ future, and help create a pocket for Mendoza for years to come.
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