For the last two years, Creed Humphrey's list of accomplishments included a role of being the highest-paid center in the National Football League. That's quite an honor for any player, and that Humphrey held the post for as long as he did speaks to his dominant reputation (and lack of any real equal as the best at his position). However, the market is ever-ascending, and Humphrey's reign is coming to an end.
While no one would deny Humphrey's title as the best center in the NFL, he won't be the league's richest for much longer. That's because the Baltimore Ravens are prepared to do what they must to remain Tyler Linderbaum's employer.
Linderbaum's pending free agency is one the Ravens' biggest offseason decisions, and it appears they're doing everything they can to retain him despite the massive price tag. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta spoke to the media from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday and was asked about Linderbaum's status. DeCosta said the team had already made a "market-setting" offer, per Mike Garafolo, in the hopes of reaching a long-term extension.
Creed Humphrey holds the title for all things center in the NFL, but one of those is going to be taken away this offseason.
Nothing is official yet, and it's possible Linderbaum wants to explore the market to make even more money. Other teams would be quite happy to take on the bill if the Ravens decide to pass, but his importance to the offense for a franchise is too great at this stage. If Baltimore has any hopes of rebounding from a frustrating '25 campaign in which they missed the postseason, Linderbaum's presence in the middle will provide an important piece of the foundation.
Humphrey is currently the NFL's market leader in overall money and annual average cap hit at the position. The Chiefs rewarded him with a four-year, $72 million deal in 2024, and his average $18M is still $1M more than the Philadelphia Eagles gave Cam Jurgens last offseason. Linderbaum's deal could creep to the $20M annual mark, but at the very least, it seems safe to project a four-year, $76M extension. Spotrac has his market value at $17.7M at the present moment.
Linderbaum has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons and would be known as the AFC's best if not for the presence of Humphrey. Still, former first-round pick and three-time Pro Bowler in four NFL seasons is a sensational return on the Ravens' investment and they're ready to pay him like he's headed for the team's Ring of Honor someday.
As for Humphrey, even if his title of being the most expensive center in the game of football is taken away, he still has his two championship rings and a run of consecutive first-team All-Pro honors to lean on, not to mention his streak of four Pro Bowls in his first five years. He's got a lot in common with Linderbaum, which unfortunately includes a goal of getting his team back on track in 2026.