English
Español
Raiders rumor could lead to signing of coveted $20 million-plus per year free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders have the cap space to go big in free agency this offseason and one high-profile free agent in particular is reportedly of interest to them.
According to NBC Sports' Matthew Berry, the Raiders are expected to "make a very strong run" at Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who figures to be one of the most coveted players on the open market.
"Expect the Las Vegas Raiders to make a very strong run at the Ravens star center Tyler Linderbaum, who is going to set records with his eventual payday," Berry reported. "He’ll have many suitors, but I’m told the Raiders, who have a ton of cap space, very much like the idea of a stud like Linderbaum lining up in front of the No. 1 overall pick if Las Vegas does, in fact, draft Fernando Mendoza."
When it comes to what Linderbaum could command in free agency, the expectation is he will reset the market at center.
The current high-water mark at the position belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs' Creed Humphrey, whose four-year deals pays an annual average of $18 million.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that many around the league believe Linderbaum's new deal will exceed $20 million annually. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that Linderbaum could be looking for as much as $25 million per year, although he doesn't think Linderbaum will get that much.
The good news for the Raiders is that they are loaded with cap space and can afford just about anything Linderbaum wants, with the team sitting with $89 million in cap space, the second-most in the league.
It makes total sense for the Raiders to have interest in Linderbaum, who is one of the better centers in the NFL.
Las Vegas doesn't have a surefire solution at the position right now and adding the veteran would shore things up in front of Fernando Mendoza, assuming they draft him, which is expected.
While Linderbaum is not guaranteed to hit the open market with the Ravens still having time to extend him before he gets there, the fact that he has not accepted Baltimore's "market-setting offer" suggests he is indeed going to test free agency.
That means the Raiders will get their crack at Linderbaum if they truly want him.
More NFL News
- Steelers trade rumor is bad news for Giants, Commanders, Broncos
- Tyler Linderbaum rumors spell trouble for Ravens keeping Pro Bowl center
- Cowboys, Eagles, Bears, Bills fans will love Maxx Crosby trade rumor
- Why Browns, Texans pulled off trade involving RT Tytus Howard
- Rumor from ESPN makes Cardinals and Packers threats for Rams FA