NASHVILLE — For a franchise trying to build a stable foundation around second-year quarterback Cam Ward, the team’s offensive line renovation feels nearly complete. The Tennessee Titans should consider making former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum their top priority as we enter the NFL’s legal tampering period ahead of 2026 free agency.

Tennessee released veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry III last month two years into a four-year, $50 million deal.

The Titans have spent the last several seasons searching for offensive identity. They’ve cycled through play-callers and offensive line combinations. Physicality, particularly in the run game, has long been the calling card of this franchise. In two seasons under former head coach Brian Callahan, that M.O. was lost in translation.

Signing Linderbaum would be a direct step back toward that identity.

“I think we’re always trying to protect the quarterback and support him with weapons,” said general manager Mike Borgonzi at February’s NFL Scouting Combine. “And that’s certainly something that we’re going to focus on here this offseason. We added a few young guys last year in the draft, and they had the opportunity to play this year, too, which was great. But certainly, that’s our goal every year is to add weapons for Cam (Ward).”

Offensive linemen should be considered a part of that growing arsenal.

The former first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens is already one of the league’s premier centers. Linderbaum played in all 17 games in three out of his four seasons. He allowed just three sacks over the past three seasons combined, and he remains one of the game’s top run blockers.

That’s exactly what the Tennessee Titans need.

Too often in recent seasons, Tennessee’s offensive line has looked disjointed. Communication breakdowns, missed assignments, and interior pressure have sabotaged drives before they ever had a chance to develop. A dominant center fixes more than just one position. He organizes the protection, identifies blitzes, and provides stability for everyone around him.

But the smartest ones start in the middle.

Featured Image: USA Today Sports.