By Moses Joshua 
Tyler Linderbaum’s rumored asking price could put Detroit’s dream center out of reach
The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 offseason knowing one truth would loom over every personnel decision: replacing Frank Ragnow was never going to be easy. Now, a fresh update surrounding one of Detroit’s most coveted potential replacements has made that task feel even more daunting—and has left plenty of Lions fans frustrated.
Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, widely viewed as the gold standard at his position, could technically reach free agency this spring. But if the latest rumblings are accurate, landing him may require Detroit to pay a historic price.
A Rumored Price Tag That Changes Everything
NFL insider Rickey Scoops ignited debate this week when he reported that Linderbaum was seeking a deal worth roughly $20 million per season during contract discussions last year. If that figure holds, it would reset the market for centers and make Linderbaum the highest-paid player at the position.
For context, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey currently tops the market at $18 million per year. A jump to $20 million wouldn’t just be expensive—it would be unprecedented.
For a Lions team already juggling cap concerns, extensions for core players, and multiple roster holes, that number alone could force Brad Holmes and company to think twice.
Why Linderbaum Still Makes So Much Sense for Detroit
Despite the sticker shock, it’s easy to understand why Linderbaum sits so high on Detroit’s wish list.
The Lions’ offensive line took a noticeable step back in 2025 following Ragnow’s retirement. Graham Glasgow filled in admirably from a leadership standpoint, but the production simply wasn’t there. According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow ranked near the bottom among centers who logged significant snaps last season.
Linderbaum, meanwhile, continues to perform at an elite level. He has made three consecutive Pro Bowls, posted one of the top PFF grades at the position in 2025, and has started 66 games over his four-year career. In many ways, he represents the closest thing to a true Ragnow replacement—young, athletic, and dominant in both the run and pass game.
If Detroit is serious about restoring its identity up front, Linderbaum checks every box.
The Competition Could Be Just as Problematic as the Cost
Even if the Lions were willing to stretch financially, they may not be alone in the chase.
Baltimore declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option last spring, but that decision was tied to the option’s massive $23.4 million price tag—not a lack of interest. The Ravens are expected to make a strong push to re-sign him before he ever hits the open market.
If he does reach free agency, Detroit would likely face stiff competition from teams like the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers—clubs with both cap space and pressing offensive line needs. As A to Z Sports’ Mike Payton noted, the Ravens and Giants appear to be the primary threats, but the field could grow quickly.
In short, Detroit may need both deep pockets and perfect timing to have a realistic shot.
A Tough Reality Check for Lions Fans
Linderbaum remains the ideal solution to Detroit’s biggest offensive line concern. But the combination of a potential $20 million annual salary and a crowded market may ultimately push him out of reach.
For a fan base dreaming of a seamless transition from Ragnow to another elite center, this update serves as a sobering reminder: sometimes the best fits are also the hardest to land.
Whether the Lions pivot to a cheaper veteran, the draft, or a creative internal solution, one thing is clear—the road to fixing the middle of the offensive line just got a lot more complicated.