![\"Ravens](\"https:\/\/news2.watchtowatch.top\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/jun-10-2025-baltimore-md-usa-baltimore-ravens.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Baltimore Ravens have signaled their desire to sign center Tyler Linderbaum\u00a0to an extension before he hits free agency, but the two sides \u201care not within striking distance of a deal,\u201d\u00a0per ESPN\u2019s Jeremy Fowler.<\/p>\n
The Ravens did not pick up the fifth-year option for Linderbaum this offseason, making 2025 a contract year for the 2022 first-round pick. Because the NFL groups all offensive linemen together for contract designations, Linderbaum\u2019s fifth-year option would have come in at $23.4M. That\u2019s an appropriate price for a top tackle, but far too much money for a center.<\/p>\n
Linderbaum, a two-time Pro Bowler, is likely looking to reset the center market, which\u00a0Creed Humphrey currently tops\u00a0at $18M per year. Inflating Humphrey\u2019s contract to match the 2025 salary cap would yield a $19.7M APY for Linderbaum. That feels a little high given Linderbaum\u2019s struggles in pass protection this year, not just relative to Humphrey, but to the entire league. The fourth-year Raven has allowed 16 pressures this year, the fifth-most among all centers, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He is on pace to eclipse the 29 pressures he allowed as a rookie; in 2023 and 2024, he allowed 18 and 19 pressures, respectively.<\/p>\n
Baltimore is in a tough spot. Pay for interior offensive linemen has exploded in the last few offseasons, and Linderbaum would be one of the best centers to hit free agency in recent years. That could create a bidding war if he hits the open market, something he and his representation are sure to know as they negotiate with the Ravens.<\/p>\n
A franchise or transition tag is not an option, either. The first would be $27.2M, and the second would be $24.6M,\u00a0per OverTheCap. Besides the inflated value for a center, the Ravens would also struggle to absorb a one-year cap hit of that size, and their long-term financial situation isn\u2019t pretty, either.<\/p>\n
Quarterback Lamar Jackson\u00a0is set to count for $74.5M against the cap in 2026, and though the Ravens want to lower the number with an extension, past negotiations indicate such a deal will take time. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike\u00a0has an uncertain future after a season-ending neck injury; if the Ravens have to part ways with him this offseason, they will have to account for at least some of the dead money from his contract next year. Defensive tackle Travis Jones\u00a0and tight end Isaiah Likely\u00a0are also key young players whom the Ravens would like to retain. In fact, Madubuike\u2019s injury and the pending free agency of all three of Baltimore\u2019s tight ends could make those Jones and Likely just as much of a priority as Linderbaum. That\u2019s not even mentioning other contract situations with players like running back Keaton Mitchell\u00a0and punter Jordan Stout, among others.<\/p>\n
As a result, negotiating a Linderbaum extension is only one part of a complicated financial picture for the Ravens. Between a potential Jackson extension, clarity on Madubuike\u2019s future, and negotiations with Jones, Likely, and Linderbaum, general manager Eric DeCosta will have his hands full for the next several months as his team navigates the rest of the 2025 season and prepares for 2026.<\/p>\n
In a heartwarming and unexpected move that\u2019s sending shockwaves through both the entertainment and sports worlds, talk show legend David Letterman has partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to do something truly extraordinary for veterans across the Hoosier State. While the iconic comedian and host is no stranger to charity, this time he\u2019s gone above and beyond, donating a staggering $1 MILLION to ensure veterans and their families have access to discounted tickets at Colts games for the rest of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
In an exclusive statement, Letterman said, \u201cThe sacrifices our veterans have made can never truly be repaid, but I hope this can give them a moment of joy, a chance to experience the magic of Colts football with the respect and honor they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
This groundbreaking donation is part of a larger initiative between Letterman and the Colts, aimed at giving veterans the opportunity to attend home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, free from financial barriers. Letterman personally worked with the Colts\u2019 ownership and community outreach department to create a program that would offer discounted tickets specifically for veterans, ensuring they can experience the excitement of live football at no cost to them.<\/p>\n
Sources close to the talk show icon reveal that Letterman was deeply moved by the struggles that many veterans face, particularly those living in the Indianapolis area. \u201cI\u2019ve always admired the veterans here, and I wanted to find a way to give back to them,\u201d Letterman explained.<\/p>\n
This generous gesture is already being hailed as one of the most impactful community-driven actions in NFL history. By focusing on veterans\u2014many of whom often feel overlooked\u2014Letterman and the Colts are ensuring that those who served this country can feel the pride and excitement of being part of the Colts Nation.<\/p>\n
Local veterans\u2019 organizations and nonprofits are already working tirelessly to distribute the discounted tickets, making sure that every eligible veteran has a chance to attend a game. The program has already been called \u201ca game-changer\u201d by many veterans who have been able to attend games they never thought they would experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a gift that means more than words can express,\u201d said one local veteran. \u201cDavid Letterman has shown that he truly understands the importance of honoring our service. This is a moment we\u2019ll cherish forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the holiday season approaching and the Colts pushing for a playoff spot, this initiative is sure to bring more than just discounted tickets\u2014it\u2019s offering a symbol of gratitude and recognition for those who have given so much.<\/p>\n
David Letterman\u2019s initiative proves that, while sports are about winning on the field, the true victories happen off it\u2014when communities come together and show their unwavering support for the people who have served and sacrificed for their country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Baltimore Ravens have signaled their desire to sign center Tyler Linderbaum\u00a0to an extension before he hits free agency, but the two sides \u201care not within striking distance of a deal,\u201d\u00a0per ESPN\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5221,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hot-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t