The Baltimore Ravens chose not to pick up the fifth-year option on Tyler Linderbaum.

Given how great he’s performed, it was a shocking decision.

Nevertheless, it may also have been the right one for both parties involved.

At least, that’s how Ari Meirov feels.

In a clip on X, the renowned NFL analyst explained that the decision to decline his fifth-year option was actually beneficial, as it was driven by financial considerations.

His fifth-year option would have pocketed him a whopping $23.4 million in 2026.

Notably, that would’ve been $5.4 million more than the current highest-paid center in the league in terms of average per year.

Now, as Meirov points out, the Ravens can look to work out a long-term deal with him to give him more money in the long run, and he could eclipse the $20 million-a-year mark.

“Because he’s been a Pro Bowler two times now, his option value is super high,” Meirov pointed out.

The #Ravens declined Tyler Linderbaum’s fifth-year option. Here’s why it happened, what’s next, and why Linderbaum has real leverage to become the NFL’s first $20M-per-year center.

Full episode: https://t.co/ADaRqT6Gm0 https://t.co/sxXxsctcLO pic.twitter.com/C1bXCerXYc

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 1, 2025

If the Ravens fail to do so, he will then become an unrestricted free agent at the end of his age-25 season, so he has pretty much all the leverage in this situation.

The Kansas City Chiefs have the highest-paid center in the league right now (Creed Humphrey, $18 million), and Linderbaum is firmly expected to claim that spot with his new contract.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta made it loud and clear that he firmly intends to get a deal done with him sooner rather than later, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them sort things out before the start of the season.

Despite his youth, the former first-round pick has already established himself as a respected and strong leader in the locker room.

NEXT:  Ravens Decline Fifth-Year Option On 2-Time Pro Bowl Center