LV Tyler Linderbaum
NFL player. Position: Center (C). Team: Las Vegas Raiders.
Quick Facts
- Position: Center (C)
- Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Contract: Signed as free agent, 2026 offseason
- Background: Elite interior offensive lineman
2026 Outlook
Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free-agent center during the 2026 offseason, committing to a significant deal that ranks among the top center contracts in the league. The Raiders prioritized offensive line depth as a critical need ahead of Fernando Mendoza's rookie QB debut. Yahoo Sports ranked the Linderbaum signing as a key move in the Raiders' offseason, noting: "The Raiders might've nailed their head coaching hire on paper, but that wasn't going to be enough to transform the league's worst team. They also needed to improve in the trenches and did so in a big way by inking Linderbaum to a massive free agent deal. Overpay? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely. After all, it doesn't matter how good Fernando Mendoza is if he can't remain upright. Luckily for Vegas, they secured one of the league's best centers for years to come." (per Ranking the 14 best NFL offseason moves, from blockbuster trades to splashy signings - Yahoo Sports)
ESPN's 2026 executive rankings place Linderbaum as the 8th-best interior offensive lineman and second-best center in the league. The elite rank reflects both his run-blocking prowess and his pass-protection efficiency: he ranked second among centers in pass-block win rate at 97.2% in 2025. (per Tyler Linderbaum voted 8th best IOL in the NFL)
Linderbaum's role is to anchor an offensive line that must protect and stabilize a rookie QB learning his first NFL system. His presence provides continuity and elite pass-protection metrics, essential infrastructure for Mendoza's development under offensive coordinator Tom Telesco.
TSN top-50 acquisitions ranking (July 28): TSN ranked Linderbaum #8 on their 2026 offseason impact list, specifically calling out his importance in Mendoza's rookie development. Per the ranking: "Linderbaum will bring a tone-setting mentality from Baltimore to the interior of the Raiders' front. And once rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is ready to play, Linderbaum will be invaluable in terms of helping with protection calls... His pass block win rate of 97.2% tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season." The assessment highlights Linderbaum as critical infrastructure for the Raiders' QB transition. (per Ranking the NFL's top 50 most impactful off-season acquisitions - TSN)
Role / Depth Chart
Starting center for the Las Vegas Raiders. Provides pass-protection stability for rookie QB Fernando Mendoza.
Injury Status
Healthy entering 2026 season.
Recent News
- 2026-05-13 — Agent's Take: Could Jack Campbell follow Tyler Linderbaum blueprint after Lions... (Agent's Take: Could Jack Campbell follow Tyler Linderbaum blueprint after Lions...)
- 2026-07-13 — Tyler Linderbaum voted 8th best IOL in the NFL (Tyler Linderbaum voted 8th best IOL in the NFL)
- 2026-06-25 — Ranking the 14 best NFL offseason moves, from blockbuster trades to splashy signings - Yahoo Sports (Ranking the 14 best NFL offseason moves, from blockbuster trades to splashy signings - Yahoo Sports)