Lloyd Cushenberry
Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 09: Tyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
If the Las Vegas Raiders want to make sure projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has success from day one, it’s imperative they go after a veteran center during free agency.
A lot of eyes are on Baltimore Ravens free agent center Tyler Linderbaum, who is viewed by many as not only the top free-agent center, but the top offensive lineman potentially available during free agency.
“Linderbaum ranked as the fifth-highest graded center in 2025 and has improved his PFF grade in every season since entering the league, all while heading toward free agency at just 25 years old,” PFF wrote.
However, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta spoke to the media during the NFL Combine and revealed he has made a “market-setting” offer to Linderbaum ahead of free agency.
“At this point in time, we’ve made him a market-setting deal proposal offer, and hopefully we can get something done with him between now and the start of the new league year,” DeCosta said. “We’ve always been a team that has valued the importance of the trenches and being up front, which is one of the reasons why we want to bring Tyler back, if we can.”
If the Raiders aren’t given a chance to go after and sign Linderbaum, the Tennessee Titans may have given the team an intriguing backup plan.
Raiders Given Tyler Linderbaum Backup Plan
Lloyd Cushenberry
GettyLloyd Cushenberry III #79 of the Tennessee Titans prepares to snap the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Titans have released starting center Lloyd Cushenberry.
“The #Titans are releasing starting center Lloyd Cushenberry, sources say, moving on from a former big-ticket free agent from 2024. He signed a 4-year, $50M deal two years ago and was due $8M this season. Now, Cam Ward will have a new center.”
Rapoport also noted that Cushenberry is coming off shoulder surgery, but is expected to be a full go for the 2026 season.
Cushenberry appeared in 23 games for the Titans over the past two seasons, including 15 games in 2025. He still has a lot of football left in him and is still just 28 years old. He won’t command the amount of money Linderbaum is, and posted the fourth-highest PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets before his unfortunate Achilles injury during Week 9 back in 2024.
The Possible Plan on the Offensive Line With Lloyd Cushenberry
There was a whole situation last season when the Raiders’ previous coaching staff refused to move Jackson Powers-Johnson back to center, and fans were upset because starting center Jordan Meredith was an obvious weak link up front.
If the Raiders were to sign Cushenberry, it would help head coach Klint Kubiak sort out the offensive line, which he recently commented on during the NFL Combine.
“Obviously, you got some stability at both offensive tackle spots. You got some young picks with JPJ, with Caleb. It’s a work in progress.”
The Raiders could see some huge improvement on the offensive line with Kolton Miller at left tackle, a free agent at left guard, Cushenberry at center, JPJ at right guard, and DJ Glaze at right tackle.