Come to Iowa. Develop. Become a star at the college level. Get drafted. Sign record-setting NFL contracts.
That seems to be the trend for the Iowa Hawkeyes when it comes to offensive linemen. Former Iowa football star center Tyler Linderbaum has become the latest Hawkeye to cash in on his talents and reset the market for NFL contracts.
The former Baltimore Raven is a free agent, and he reportedly has reached a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $81 million, of which $60 million is fully guaranteed. This makes Linderbaum the NFL’s highest-paid interior offensive lineman in history.
The contract is well-deserved. Linderbaum has produced from the day he was drafted by the Ravens with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. During his time in the NFL, he has made three Pro Bowls and was part of the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team.
While at Iowa, Linderbaum was a unanimous All-American, the Rimington Trophy winner, the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection.
The Raiders have the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which many believe will be a quarterback to lead the franchise’s rebuild. Adding Linderbaum at center gives them one of the NFL’s best centers to help ease a young quarterback into the league.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa football’s Tyler Linderbaum signs record-setting NFL contract
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
