New Report Says What Chargers Fans Want to Hear About Free Agent Tyler Linderbaum

The Los Angeles Chargers have some franchise tag and free agency situations of their own to figure out this offseason.

So it goes when major names like Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh dominate the Chargers' list of players slated for free agency.

But the Chargers might be able to exploit the drama on these fronts around other teams to big gains, too.

The Baltimore Ravens feel like a prime candidate, too. Much has been written about the Ravens possibly stealing from the Chargers thanks to Jesse Minter going to Baltimore. That's not just the coaching staff, either: Might names like Oweh and Mack want to follow him there?

But it’s important to keep in mind one name who might just go the other way: Tyler Linderbaum.

Ravens, Tyler Linderbaum contract drama could let Chargers grab a steal

Linderbaum is easily the No. 1 name if one were to power rank the best possible outside free-agent additions for the Chargers this offseason.

It might just be a possibility, too.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports wrote recently that the Ravens might have a tough time getting a deal done with Linderbaum because the franchise tag cost is $28 million, while the top of the center market is only $20 million.

And Jones added this little note at the bottom: “Sources expect he would be a top target for the Chargers if Baltimore can't retain him.”

I don’t expect the Ravens to let 25-year-old Tyler Linderbaum reach the open market—but if they do, it’s a fire department finding water in the desert. Priority No. 1. Blank check. pic.twitter.com/42eOWaPx8a
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) January 14, 2026

That's the first big bit of reporting that says the Chargers have an eye on what's going on over there. Not a shocker, but good to hear for fans, at least.

A no-brainer, too. The Chargers have elite tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt coming back. But they ignored two out of the three interior line spots last offseason. The third went to Mekhi Becton, a bust of a free-agent signing.

Chargers center Bradley Bozman just got done ranking dead last out of 40 in players graded at his position at PFF, making him an obvious cut candidate.

Linderbaum would be an incredible way to stabilize Justin Herbert’s offensive line, to the point they probably wouldn’t flinch at hitting that $28 million mark if necessary, really.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

NFL Trade Speculation Could Be Good News For Chargers

David Njoku to Chargers a Possibility After Surprise Announcement

Former Chargers Draft Pick Predicted to Sign With Cowboys in Free Agency

Chargers Hit With Tough Questions After Jesse Minter’s Departure

Chargers Should Keep an Eye on A.J. Brown, Eagles Trade Drama