Ravens Consider Linderbaum Position Change: Center Concerns Emerge

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. baum-position-change-center-concerns-emerge.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 21:15 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Maryland, Iowa, UNITED STATES

Ravens' Offensive Line Puzzle: Linderbaum's Potential Move Signals Center Concerns

The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off a promising season, are already navigating the complexities of roster construction for the 2026 campaign. A recent report from ESPN's Jamison Hensley has ignited speculation regarding the future of star center Tyler Linderbaum, suggesting the team is contemplating a position change - moving him from his established role at center to guard. While not inherently negative, this consideration reveals a deeper anxiety about the Ravens' long-term stability at the center position and its potential impact on retaining one of their key offensive building blocks.

Linderbaum, a first-round draft pick in 2022, quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Ravens' offensive line. His athleticism, technique, and overall performance have consistently placed him among the league's elite centers. Currently under contract through the 2025 season, a future beyond that appears less certain, particularly given the Ravens' apparent lack of confidence in their current backup options. The team cycled through three different starting centers in 2025, a clear indication of a persistent weakness and a concerning lack of depth.

The potential shift for Linderbaum stems from his versatility. He possesses the athletic profile to excel at guard, a position where athleticism is increasingly valued in the modern NFL. However, the reason for considering this move is far more telling than the move itself. Baltimore isn't considering re-deploying a talented player to optimize their line; they are considering it because they believe finding a competent replacement for Linderbaum at center may be insurmountable. This is especially crucial given the escalating costs of retaining top-tier offensive linemen.

This situation highlights a broader challenge for the Ravens. They are in a precarious position - possessing a premium player at a crucial position, but lacking a clear plan for ensuring consistent play should Linderbaum either depart or require a substitute. Simply hoping a free agent becomes available isn't a viable strategy. The free agency market for established centers is often thin, and the Ravens likely wouldn't want to settle for a subpar option, especially considering their aspirations for sustained playoff contention.

The draft presents a possible solution, but carries significant risk. Drafting a center doesn't guarantee immediate impact. The transition to the NFL is notoriously difficult for offensive linemen, and expecting a rookie to step into a pivotal role and perform at a high level is unrealistic in many cases. While the Ravens have a strong developmental program, relying on a rookie to anchor the offensive line could be detrimental to the team's overall performance in the short term. Scouts will likely be heavily focused on center prospects in the lead-up to the draft, analyzing not only their current skillset, but also their potential for growth and ability to handle the complexities of NFL blocking schemes. Several highly-rated center prospects are expected to declare for the 2026 draft, but competition for their services will be fierce.

Furthermore, moving Linderbaum to guard may ultimately lower his market value when contract extension talks begin. While versatile players are always in demand, his established excellence at center likely commands a higher price tag. By shifting him, the Ravens could inadvertently limit his perceived value, potentially making it more difficult to negotiate a favorable long-term deal.

The Ravens face a multi-faceted dilemma. They must address the immediate need for reliable center depth, evaluate the long-term viability of Linderbaum at guard, and carefully weigh the potential impact on his future contract. The upcoming weeks and months will be critical as the team explores all available options - free agency, the draft, and internal development - to solidify the center position and secure the future of their offensive line. Failing to do so could jeopardize their ability to maintain a competitive edge in a demanding league. The organization is essentially signaling that simply relying on Linderbaum to be the center long-term isn't a plan they fully trust.