The calendar has flipped to February, and for the Baltimore Ravens, the clock is ticking louder with each passing day. The new league year, and with it the official start of free agency, is now less than three weeks away. While the draft dominates long-term planning conversations, the immediate future of the roster will be forged in the frantic weeks ahead, where the Ravens must decide which of their own to fight to keep and which to reluctantly let walk.
According to a recent report from Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Ravens enter this pivotal period with a significant chunk of their roster in flux. The team still has 19 players currently slated to become unrestricted free agents when the market opens. This list isn't just filled with depth pieces and special teamers; it includes foundational starters and dynamic playmakers who have been central to the team's identity and success. Zrebiec's analysis ranks these pending free agents, and sitting prominently at the top are two names that should give every Ravens fan a moment of pause: center Tyler Linderbaum and tight end Isaiah Likely.
The potential departure of either player would represent a seismic shift for an offense that has prided itself on continuity and physicality. As the Ravens' brass, led by General Manager Eric DeCosta, huddles in the war room at the Under Armour Performance Center, the files on Linderbaum and Likely will undoubtedly be among the thickest on the table.
The Anchor in the Middle: Tyler Linderbaum's Critical Status
Since being selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tyler Linderbaum has not just lived up to his first-round billing; he has exceeded it. The former Iowa Hawkeye stepped into the starting center role from day one and has since established himself as one of the premier interior offensive linemen in football. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and outright tenacity has made him the unequivocal anchor of Baltimore's offensive line.
Linderbaum's value transcends his individual Pro Bowl-caliber play. He is the quarterback of the offensive line, making protection calls and identifying defensive fronts for one of the league's most complex offenses. His ability to reach block and operate in space has been instrumental in the success of Baltimore's diverse rushing attack, whether it was paving lanes for J.K. Dobbins in years past or helping spring the quarterback in the team's vaunted designed run game. He is the prototype for the modern NFL center.
Which is precisely why his pending free agency is the Ravens' single most pressing concern. Allowing a 27-year-old franchise center, in the prime of his career, to test the open market is a scenario Baltimore simply cannot afford. The market for top-tier offensive linemen is perpetually inflated, and Linderbaum would command a massive contract that would likely reset the center market. The Ravens have a history of prioritizing and paying their own cornerstone players, and Linderbaum fits that description perfectly.
The expectation within the league is that Baltimore will use the franchise tag if a long-term extension cannot be hammered out before the deadline. Such a move would buy crucial time but also carry a hefty one-year cap charge, projecting to be more than $18 million. The negotiation with Linderbaum's representatives will be the bellwether for the Ravens' entire offseason.
The Heir Apparent? Isaiah Likely's Moment of Truth
If the Linderbaum situation is about securing a known, established pillar, the Isaiah Likely scenario is about betting on a soaring trajectory and preventing a nightmare for the AFC North. For years, Likely operated in the colossal shadow of future Hall of Famer Mark Andrews. Yet, whenever called upon--most notably during Andrews' injury absences--Likely showcased a tantalizing blend of receiver-like route running, reliable hands, and a flair for the spectacular catch. He wasn't just a backup; he was a weapon waiting for more snaps.
With Andrews now on the wrong side of 30 and contemplating his own football future, Likely's development is no longer a luxury--it's a necessity for the offensive succession plan. The 2025 season was Likely's true breakout, where he consistently demonstrated he could be a primary option, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties alike. His chemistry with the quarterback is palpable, and his big-play ability adds a vertical dimension to the tight end position that even Andrews doesn't consistently provide.
The problem for Baltimore is that the rest of the league has seen the same tape. Likely is no longer a secret. He hits free agency as a young, ascending talent at a premium skill position. Tight ends who can legitimately stretch the seam and be a red-zone threat are coveted commodities. The Ravens would love to retain him, but the financial calculus becomes complicated. Can they justify major long-term investments in two tight ends? Does Andrews' legacy and leadership give him priority, or does the front office make the cold, forward-looking decision to invest in Likely as the future?
Zrebiec's ranking of Likely as a top-tier free agent for the Ravens underscores this agonizing dilemma. Losing him would not only create an immediate hole but could potentially arm a rival with a dynamic offensive piece for years to come.
Beyond the Big Two: A Deeper Look at the List
While Linderbaum and Likely headline the discussion, Zrebiec's report highlights that the Ravens' work is far from over. The list of 19 unrestricted free agents is a cross-section of the roster, containing key contributors at every level.
The defensive front, a perennial strength, could see significant turnover. Veterans like defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (formerly known as Justin Madubuike), who has been a disruptive force for years, and others are also on expiring deals. The Ravens have a knack for developing defensive linemen, but replacing proven production is never easy. The secondary, too, faces questions. Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey is due for a new contract. His retention is critical for a unit that values versatility and toughness.
On offense, the wide receiver room may need attention beyond the tight ends. Veteran deep threat Rashod Bateman, who finally strung together a healthy and productive season, is also playing on an expiring contract. His ability to take the top off the defense has been a valuable component, and his departure would further strain the team's perimeter weapons.
Notably, linebacker Odafe Oweh, who played for the Ravens through the early part of the 2025 season, was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers and is no longer part of Baltimore's roster or free agent considerations. Likewise, cornerback Brandon Stephens is currently with the New York Jets and not among the Ravens' pending free agents as previously misstated.
Cap Calculus and The Road Ahead
Navigating this minefield will require financial acrobatics from Eric DeCosta and Vice President of Football Administration Nick Matteo. The Ravens are perpetually cap-conscious, often restructuring contracts and making tough cuts to remain compliant while fielding a contender. The 2026 offseason presents one of their stiffest challenges.
The likely first move is the franchise tag, with Linderbaum being the overwhelming favorite to receive it. That would secure his services for at least one more season at a projected cost of over $18 million, a number that would immediately consume a large portion of available cap space. From there, the dominoes will fall. Can they structure a long-term deal for Linderbaum to lower that 2026 cap hit? Does that leave enough room to make a competitive offer to Isaiah Likely? Will they have to prioritize one over the other?
Restructures of existing deals for veterans like Marlon Humphrey or Ronnie Stanley could free up immediate space. The often-difficult decisions on releasing respected veterans to create cap room may also be on the table. Every dollar saved or spent on one player has a direct ripple effect on the rest of the roster.
The next three weeks are a silent period of intense negotiation and strategy. The public will see the results on March 11th, when the legal tampering period begins, and March 13th, when the new league year officially kicks off. But the foundations of the 2026 Baltimore Ravens are being laid right now, in quiet conversations and complex contract frameworks.
For a franchise with championship aspirations, retaining core talent is non-negotiable. Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely are the definition of core talent. How the Ravens navigate their contract situations will tell us everything we need to know about the team's priorities, its financial health, and its belief in the current championship window. The clock is ticking, and the decisions made in these final days of February will echo throughout the fall.