The Cleveland Browns could head into the upcoming season with Shedeur Sanders taking the snaps as their primary quarterback. Should that scenario unfold, the team would need to surround the young signal-caller with additional support to help him succeed.
Cleveland faces numerous gaps across its lineup, yet the most pressing concerns lie within the offense, particularly regarding playmakers and the protection in front of Sanders.
One potential solution for bolstering the offensive line comes from Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox, who has suggested the Browns might pursue Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum through a proposed four-year deal worth $73 million.
The Browns certainly have room for improvement along the interior of their offensive front. Ethan Pocic began the 2025 season as the starting center but suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in December, while backup Luke Wypler later sustained a knee injury during the final week of the regular season.
Adding Linderbaum would represent an outstanding upgrade for Cleveland’s line. The 25-year-old has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his three professional seasons and ranks among the NFL’s elite when it comes to run blocking from the center position.
Drafted by Baltimore with the 25th selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa, Linderbaum stepped into the starting role right away as a rookie.
His reliability stands out as well, having appeared in all but two games during his career—both absences occurring in 2023—making him not only a high-performing player but also one who rarely misses time.
However, financial constraints pose a significant hurdle for the Browns. Entering the offseason with limited salary cap flexibility, the organization might struggle to secure a contract for Linderbaum or other premier offensive linemen on the market.
Beyond money, Cleveland’s current status as a franchise may deter potential free agents, given the team’s recent challenges and lack of immediate appeal as a destination.
That said, if the Browns manage to navigate their cap issues and execute a noteworthy signing, bringing in Linderbaum would prove to be an excellent choice to strengthen the foundation for their potential new quarterback.
