Tyler Linderbaum’s Entire Contract Effectively Guaranteed
Tyler Linderbaum, the standout center for the Raiders, has secured an impressive contract during the first day of the 2026 free agency. The deal is reported to be worth three years at $81 million, with a remarkable $60 million guaranteed. However, the contract offers even more substantial guarantees when examined closely.
Contract Breakdown
Based on sources familiar with the terms, the following key details outline the specifics of Linderbaum’s contract:
- Signing Bonus: $20 million
- 2026 Base Salary: $10 million, fully guaranteed
- 2027 Base Salary: $30 million, fully guaranteed
- 2028 Base Salary: $21 million
2028 Salary Guarantees
The 2028 base salary is guaranteed for injury upon signing. It becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2027 league year. To avoid paying Linderbaum $60 million for a single season, the Raiders would have to cut him before March next year. This makes the entire contract practically fully guaranteed.
Injury Considerations
Linderbaum has shown resilience throughout his career, having missed only two out of 68 regular-season games. However, he did face challenges during the 2024 training camp due to a neck injury. This contract assumes significant injury risks for Linderbaum concerning his neck and other potential health issues.
Market Impact
With an average yearly salary of $27 million, Linderbaum’s contract raises the market for NFL centers. It increases the salary by $9 million annually, bringing the average to $18 million. This move will likely influence contract negotiations for centers across the league.
Overall, Tyler Linderbaum’s contract signifies not just a personal achievement, but a shift in the financial landscape for the center position in the NFL.
