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The Las Vegas Raiders made a sizable splash in free agency by agreeing to terms with center Tyler Linderbaum on a massive three-year, $81 million contract. The Raiders made Linderbaum the highest-paid center in NFL history. Agreeing to pay him $27 million per season, it's $9 million more annually than the previous highest-paid center earns (Creed Humphrey, $18 million).
It's rare that a new highest-paid contract surpasses the previous leader by that much. Furthermore, the Raiders essentially guaranteed Linderbaum all $81 million via the structure of the agreement. The Raiders are betting big on Linderbaum's ability to help fix the offensive line.
While many will understandably call it an overpay, the decision to splurge for Linderbaum protects the Raiders' two most important investments. He'll be crucial to helping rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza acclimate once the Raiders complete the inevitable and draft him. Mendoza will inherit a center he can rely on to protect him and help him run the offense.
Sophomore running back Ashton Jeanty should also benefit greatly from Linderbaum's presence. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft struggled as a rookie due to running behind the Raiders' lackluster offensive line. Jeanty only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Linderbaum represents a huge upgrade over last year's starting center, the undersized Jordan Meredith.
The Raiders are about to have a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Now's the time to overpay to help support Mendoza's transition. Agreeing to terms with Linderbaum, an elite center, achieves that.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Tyler Linderbaum overpay protects Raiders' 2 most notable investments
Continue reading...
It's rare that a new highest-paid contract surpasses the previous leader by that much. Furthermore, the Raiders essentially guaranteed Linderbaum all $81 million via the structure of the agreement. The Raiders are betting big on Linderbaum's ability to help fix the offensive line.
While many will understandably call it an overpay, the decision to splurge for Linderbaum protects the Raiders' two most important investments. He'll be crucial to helping rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza acclimate once the Raiders complete the inevitable and draft him. Mendoza will inherit a center he can rely on to protect him and help him run the offense.
Sophomore running back Ashton Jeanty should also benefit greatly from Linderbaum's presence. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft struggled as a rookie due to running behind the Raiders' lackluster offensive line. Jeanty only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Linderbaum represents a huge upgrade over last year's starting center, the undersized Jordan Meredith.
The Raiders are about to have a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Now's the time to overpay to help support Mendoza's transition. Agreeing to terms with Linderbaum, an elite center, achieves that.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Tyler Linderbaum overpay protects Raiders' 2 most notable investments
Continue reading...
