DeCosta: Ravens Have Offered Linderbaum a “Market-Setting” Deal

At the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday morning, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta spoke candidly with assembled media about the team’s offseason priorities, centering around key stars Tyler Linderbaum, Marlon Humphrey, and Lamar Jackson.

On the hot topic of center Linderbaum, whose contract has expired and who is set to become one of the league’s top free agents, DeCosta stressed the organization’s desire to keep him in Baltimore.

DeCosta said Ravens have made Tyler Linderbaum a “market-setting” offer.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 24, 2026

While acknowledging there is still work to be done, the GM didn’t mince words about Linderbaum’s importance. “We’ve got some work to do on Tyler Linderbaum’s contract,” DeCosta said, adding that the Ravens “strongly hope to have him back” and that Linderbaum is “a great player for us and a great leader.” DeCosta also noted the team has already extended what he described as a market-setting offer to retain the three-time Pro Bowl center, underlining how much Baltimore values his presence anchoring the offensive line.

When asked about cornerback Marlon Humphrey, DeCosta emphasized continuity in retaining veteran defensive playmakers, even though specific contract details weren’t discussed.

DeCosta said he expects Marlon Humphrey to be a Raven this year and he doesn’t “necessarily” need a contract adjustment.
“I love Marlon.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 24, 2026

He reiterated that maintaining a strong defense — with Humphrey as a cornerstone in the secondary — remains a vital piece of the Ravens’ roster construction philosophy. While DeCosta didn’t provide direct quotes on Humphrey this morning, his tone reflected the broader organizational priority of keeping established talent around as the team reshapes under new leadership.

Cutting Humph prior to 6/1 saves $7.328M. If they can work out a revised deal to create at least that much in savings this yr (reducing the $19.25M down to ~$10-12M w/ incentives to earn some back if he plays well), then it’s a win-win IMO (you get the savings & keep the player). https://t.co/MCbWqeAgj7

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) February 24, 2026

As Russell Street Report’s Brian McFarland explains, cutting Humphrey with a pre-June 1 designation would save $7.328M on the cap. If the team and player could agree on a revised deal to create as much (or more) cap space, it would be a win-win. Brian does not expect the team to keep Humphrey at his current cap number of $26.3M. 

Perhaps the most closely watched remarks came around quarterback Lamar Jackson and his contract situation. DeCosta expressed confidence that the Ravens will “get an extension done” with Jackson, who remains under contract but carries looming cap hits that could hamper offseason flexibility. DeCosta noted that Jackson has been “very engaged” in discussions and stressed the urgency of reaching a deal before free agency to allow roster building without uncertainty. “I’ve spoken to Lamar about a lot … he’s been very engaged,” DeCosta said.

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