NFL insider expects the Cleveland Browns to be in a bidding war for a top NFL free agent from an AFC North rival this week
The Browns are expected to be among the teams interested in top free agent C Tyler Linderbaum.
The offseason fun begins today across the NFL, with the legal tampering period starting at noon ET. It’ll be a busy week around the league, including for the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland is looking to reshape its offensive line this week with all five starters from 2025 set to be free agents. The Browns made a trade for OT Tytus Howard last week to start shaping what their offensive line will look like.
Today, the Browns will begin further piecing the offensive line together.
Browns expected to be in a bidding war for Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum
Baltimore decided not to franchise C Tyler Linderbaum due to there being one franchise tag price point for the entire offensive line. Now, the former first-round pick is set to be able to negotiate with other teams beginning at noon.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Browns are one of the teams expected to try to sign Linderbaum.
“My understanding is Linderbaum’s camp is shooting for $25 million per year, which would be a whopping 38% increase on the $18 million per year that the Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey got in 2024 to become the NFL’s highest-paid center.
I’m not sure if Linderbaum will get there. However, I’d expect the Commanders, Raiders, and Browns all to be in the bidding, and the tenor of it would affect a bunch of other teams, as well.” — Albert Breer, SI
The Browns’ connection to Tyler Linderbaum is clear
Linderbaum entered the NFL in 2022 and has missed just two games over four seasons. A three-time Pro Bowler already, Linderbaum is one of the better centers in the NFL, and he just happened to spend the last three years being coached by Browns HC Todd Monken.
Monken started as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator in 2023 and has been with Linderbaum for three of his four NFL seasons. Linderbaum has been a Pro Bowl player every year while with Monken.
The Browns have a clear need at center with Ethan Pocic in free agency healing from an Achilles injury. Cleveland could roll with Luke Wypler, but he’s never been a full-time starter and the decision would come with risk. The Browns could opt to bring in competition for Wypler.
A player like Linderbaum would be the guy on Day 1 and Wypler would be able to serve as his backup. While it sounds like it’s going to come with a hefty price tag, it may be the move the Browns need for the future of their offensive line.
Cleveland Browns News
Predicting the free agent signings the Cleveland Browns will make in NFL free agency with the legal tampering period here
The Browns have an important week ahead with the construction of its roster through free agency.
