Tyler Linderbaum, Houston Texans
Getty
Tyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Houston Texans have left the door open to find an upgrade over starting center Jake Andrews, and one of the best in the NFL could be an option.
Baltimore Ravens pivot Tyler Linderbaum is a three-time Pro Bowler. He has been a staple for one of the league’s better running attacks and also provides a clean pocket for two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
He could do much of the same for the Texans in 2026.
Texans Pushed to Sign Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum, New York Giants
GettyTyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens motions against the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz listed one player that each team should sign in free agency, naming Linderbaum for the Texans.
“Incumbent Jake Andrews ranked last among qualifying centers with a 92.4% pass block win rate, so this is a position where the Texans need to take a big swing,” Schatz wrote on February 27. “Bringing over Linderbaum, who ranked second at center with a 97.2% pass block win rate, would really help solidify the offense and keep Houston as a Super Bowl contender in 2026.”
Linderbaum is expected to draw plenty of interest, including from the Texans. However, the Texans face a significant obstacle: the salary cap. They enter the offseason over the limit, but do have mechanisms to create some wiggle room.
Whether they can create enough space for Linderbaum and other targets is the question.
Spotrac projected Linderbaum’s market value at $17.7 million annually, with a four-year, $70.9 million contract as an example of what he might receive.
The Ravens are pushing to retain Linderbaum, and could make him the highest-paid pivot. That would leave the Texans at Square 1 at a position that is critical to the team’s success, given its direct relationship with the quarterback.
Texans Expected to Seek New Center
Jake Andrews, Houston Texans
GettyJake Andrews #60 of the Houston Texans takes the field during player introductions before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
“The prevailing sentiment within the Texans organization is they want to have another option at center,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on February 26,” noting he did a “reasonable job.”
The Texans’ coaching staff– and, specifically, OL coach Cole Popovich–likes Andrews, who could still be the starter in Week 1 of 2026, per Alexander.
However, the insider doubled down that they are “expected to pursue” an upgrade.
“Tyler Linderbaum of the Ravens is the top center among free agents. But his price tag will be the highest,” Alexander wrote.”The Texans could pursue Linderbaum, but the bidding war may be difficult to overcome.”
Texans Have Other Outside Options
Giants guard Cade Mays.
GettyCade Mays #68 of the Carolina Panthers takes the field before a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Texans have other options if they cannot outbid the Ravens or any other rivals for Linderbaum besides Andrews, who is under contract through 2026.
“Panthers center Cade Mays is another name to watch,” Alexander wrote. “He’ll be cheaper than Linderbaum but should still get a healthy market as one of the top centers available. He started 12 games for the Panthers last season and graded out well.”
Spotrac projected Mays’ market value at $12.3 million annually.
They provided a three-year, $36.8 million contract as an example, which could be far more palatable to the Texans.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud shouldered the blame for the Texans’ snap issues during the AFC Wild Card against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Andrews’ future in Houston is as murky as anyone on the roster as the draft and free agency loom this offseason.