The Vikings’ Dream Free Agent Add Would Complete the Trenches
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings endeavoured to totally overhaul its offensive line. Doing so (at least in theory) would allow for J.J. McCarthy to shine early.
The reality of 2025 hit and things fell apart (the center cannot hold?), largely due to injuries to the o-line and the passer. The Vikings’ dream free agent add reflects that reality.
Rolling into 2026, four of the five positions appear to be solidified. The left side will be locked down by Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson, homegrown large lads scooped up in the 1st. On the right side are Will Fries and Brian O’Neill, rugged veterans capable of clearing running lanes and holding off pass rushers. It’s at that center spot where there needs to be some enhancement, making Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum pretty attractive.
The Vikings’ Dream Free Agent Add: Center Tyler Linderbaum
The great issue with Ryan Kelly has nothing to do with his on-field abilities.
Per PFF, Mr. Kelly finished the year as the NFL’s 4th-best center after earning a very healthy 82.2 grade. He did so behind almost equally impressive efforts while blocking in both the passing and running game. Partner those abilities with being a high-level communicator who has a ton of experience and it’s easy to see the appeal.
The great concern is that the 32-year-old lineman worked through multiple concussions in 2025. The leading belief is that he’ll be cut to save more than $8.3 million on the cap.
Who could jump into the vacant job?
In-house candidates include Michael Jurgens and Blake Brandel. The former is a decent depth option but not someone to be leaned on for a full season since he can get bullied. The latter has more experience and ruggedness but appears better served by functioning within his five-in-one depth lineman role.
Tyler Linderbaum, the starting center for the Ravens, appears uniquely qualified to jump into the opening.
The 25-year-old lineman has a lot of good football ahead of him, allowing him to grow within Minnesota’s offense for a long time. He comes in at 6’2″ and 305, meaning he’s a touch undersized. Where he wins is with his strong athleticism. Not up to the level of Garrett Bradbury — a superb athlete — but very good.
Even better is that the on-field results have always been better than Bradbury. From 2022 onward, Linderbaum has been a top-ten center on PFF. His worst grade arrived as a rookie when he was given a 74.6 grade; Bradbury has never gone above 67.5 in his career.
The past season involved Tyler Linderbaum coming in at 5th in the PFF rankings, snuggled in behind Ryan Kelly by a single spot.
Over on The Ringer, Austin Gayle places Tyler Linderbaum at fourth overall among NFL free agents.
Some analysis: “Linderbaum will be a coveted center because he moves extremely well, especially as a run blocker. He has unlocked so much for the Ravens’ run game because he’s an extremely talented athlete with foot speed and balance that are rare at his position. He can pull, scoop, and reach with his arms, and he is lightning quick to get to the second level on his feet, where he regularly beats linebackers and safeties because of his leverage and positioning alone. He’s also a menace when moving in space and blocking in front of screens.”
Further thoughts: “Linderbaum was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl this season, and he’s ranked eighth or better among qualifying centers in PFF’s run-blocking grade every year of his career […] I expect that Baltimore will get a deal done with Linderbaum well before March, but until it does, he deserves to be high on this list.”
According to Spotrac, Mr. Linderbaum is moving toward a contract coming in at close to $71 million over four seasons. No doubt, that’s a beefy total.
Broadly speaking, an annual average somewhere within the $15-$20 million range appears to be about right for a center who is in his prime and who already has several years of strong play behind him. For a Vikings team that has long desired a solution at center, the juice could be worth the squeeze.
Best guess is that Baltimore finds a way to retain the starting center. If not, then Minnesota should be at the front of the line for his services.
Tyler Linderbaum has been sent to the Pro Bowl a trio of times and finished 7th in voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. Some All Pro trips could be in his future.
You must be logged in to post a comment.