The Las Vegas Raiders wasted little time making waves once NFL free agency opened. Their aggressive spending spree quickly drew strong reactions across the league and among fans watching the franchise attempt to rebuild.
The biggest move came when Las Vegas agreed to a three-year, $81 million contract with center Tyler Linderbaum, including $60 million in guaranteed money. The deal made the former Baltimore Ravens standout the highest-paid center in NFL history and one of the most expensive interior offensive linemen in the league.
New York Giants, Tyler Linderbaum, NFL, Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Linderbaum arrives in Las Vegas after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top centers during his first four seasons in Baltimore. The 25-year-old earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2023 through 2025 and helped anchor an offense that consistently ranked among the league’s most productive rushing attacks.
The Raiders were among the most active teams during the opening wave of free agency, also adding several new pieces as the franchise attempted to reshape the roster. The moves followed a difficult 3-14 season that left Las Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick and significant salary cap space to rebuild key areas of the team.
NFL Fans React to Las Vegas Raiders Signing Tyler Linderbaum in Free Agency
New York Giants, Tyler Linderbaum, NFL
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) on the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Fans have shared their thoughts about Las Vegas signing Linderbaum in free agency this year. These reactions can be seen in a post shared by Adam Schefter on X.
ESPN Sources: former Ravens free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum reached agreement today on a record deal with the Raiders, who are awarding him with a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed and makes him the highest paid interior offensive lineman in NFL… pic.twitter.com/8oWmOroNBA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
“Raiders are wasting their money on Tyler . They should have invested on another player,” a fan said. “Tyler Linderbaum is making history in Las Vegas! 🏴☠️💰 A three-year, $81 million deal not only reunites him with former Ravens teammate Maxx Crosby but officially makes him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman ever,” another added.
A supporter mentioned, “Raiders traded Crosby to Baltimore and then stole their best offensive lineman in free agency. $81M for the best center in football at 25 years old is a bargain. Vegas is actually building something for the first time in years and nobody is ready for it.”
“Tyler Linderbaum just did for Centers what Christian Kirk once did for Wide Receivers,” a follower remarked.
“$81M for a center… and honestly, worth it. Elite protection in the middle changes everything for an offense,” a commenter shared.
“I guess he wants to be apart of a loser franchise,” a sixth social media user reacted.
Despite the aggressive approach, the spending spree quickly sparked debate among fans online. Some praised the organization for aggressively addressing weaknesses on the offensive line, while others argued the massive contract represented an unnecessary risk for a team still searching for long-term stability.
Las Vegas clearly believes bold moves are necessary to speed up its rebuild. The success of the free agency splash will ultimately be judged by whether the new additions help turn a struggling roster into a competitive team in the seasons ahead.
For More Of My Content
For More Of My Content Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22. You may also reach out to me personally at kitguinhawa@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!