Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum is making one thing very clear as he joins Vegas to help fix the run and pass game
The Raiders got their guy in Tyler Linderbaum.
Any team lacking a strong center wanted Tyler Linderbaum, but the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately outbid the competition by signing him to a three-year, $81 million deal. This contract makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL at $27 million per year, setting a new benchmark for centers and highlighting the team’s commitment to strengthening its offensive line.
The now-highest-paid center in the league, by nine million, with the previous high being Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, will be in charge of fixing the offensive line woes in both the run and pass games. For now, the run game is what’s being talked about, because potential No. 1 pick in QB Fernando Mendoza isn’t even on the team yet. And, Linderbaum made it clear he’s excited to work with one of the best up-and-coming RBs in the league in Ashton Jeanty.
Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum is excited to play with Ashton Jeanty
“Yeah, super excited,” Linderbaum told reporters during his introductory press conference. “I think, as an offensive lineman, that’s got to be your bread and butter, being able to run the football. It helps things set up for different things, for success. And the O-line play, it’s a mindset; it’s having the right attitude of determination of what we’re trying to do to the defense, and it takes all five guys being on the same page. So, super excited to get with the guys in the building and kind of work towards our goals.”
Known for his prowess as a run blocker, Linderbaum is recognized as one of the league’s best in this area while still being a strong pass protector. Run blocking remains where he stands out most—his so-called bread and butter. He played nearly 1,000 total blocking snaps last season, allowing just 17 blown blocks, only six of which came in the run game, according to Sports Info Solutions.
His ability to reach the second level and pass defenders off to adjacent linemen stands out, and he’s very aware of everything that’s going on in high-pressure situations. His football IQ in the run game is among the league’s best, which should help Jeanty even more.
Everything comes back to the run game in the NFL. When Linderbaum is on the field, it improves the ground game, which in turn eases the quarterback’s job. In Klint Kubiak’s offense, they needed a player who could transform the run game. Now, they must address the rest of the offensive line.
Las Vegas Raiders News
Tyler Linderbaum keeps it all the way real when revealing why he chose to play for the Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders got their guy.
