Ravens opt not to pick up Tyler Linderbaum’s fifth-year option.

The Baltimore Ravens have opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on center Tyler Linderbaum’s contract, though they remain committed to keeping the two-time Pro Bowl player.

The decision to decline Linderbaum’s option is driven by the high financial commitment rather than his on-field performance. His fifth-year option, set at $23.4 million for 2026, would have been $5.4 million more than the highest-paid center in the NFL.

At 25, Linderbaum has established himself as one of the NFL’s top centers and a key leader for the Ravens. He enters the final year of his rookie deal and could become an unrestricted free agent in March unless the team works out a contract extension with him. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta emphasized that the team intends to keep Linderbaum for the long term.

NFL fifth-year options for offensive linemen are fixed across positions, even though the pay varies widely by position on the line. For instance, Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey, the highest-paid center, makes $18 million, while Tampa Bay’s left tackle Tristan Wirfs commands $28.1 million.

Linderbaum, who joined the Ravens in the first round of the 2022 draft, has not yet entered contract extension discussions with the team. “Honestly, I’m really not even focused on that right now,” Linderbaum said during the Ravens’ offseason program in April. “I’m giving my all to the team right now.”

Additionally, the Ravens exercised the fifth-year option for Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton, who will make $18.6 million in 2026. DeCosta stated that the team is also aiming to work on a multi-year extension for Hamilton, who was selected by the Ravens with the 14th pick in the 2022 draft. Linderbaum was chosen 25th overall after the Ravens traded for the pick from the Arizona Cardinals.