The Las Vegas Raiders have made one of the biggest moves of NFL free agency — and it could completely change the future of their offense.
By signing Tyler Linderbaum to a record-breaking contract, the Raiders may have just given young running back Ashton Jeanty the perfect setup for a breakout season.

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Raiders Give Ashton Jeanty Huge Boost With Record $81M Tyler Linderbaum Deal

The Las Vegas Raiders have reset the market for centers, agreeing to a three-year, $81 million contract with Tyler Linderbaum, including $60 million guaranteed.

The deal not only makes Linderbaum the highest-paid center in NFL history, but also the highest-paid interior offensive lineman ever.

More importantly for Las Vegas, the signing could dramatically improve the situation for rising star running back Ashton Jeanty.

Raiders Fixing Major Offensive Line Problem

The Raiders’ offensive line struggled badly during the 2025 season.

Las Vegas allowed a league-high 64 sacks while also finishing last in the NFL in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and yards per carry.

Those issues made life difficult for the offense and limited the effectiveness of the team’s ground game.

Upgrading the offensive line became one of the organization’s top priorities heading into free agency.

Landing Linderbaum appears to be a major step toward fixing that problem.

Ashton Jeanty Showed Promise Despite Poor Blocking

Even with the struggles up front, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty still produced a strong first season.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft finished with:

• 975 rushing yards
• Significant big-play ability
• Strong physical running

However, the numbers also highlighted how difficult things were for him.

Of his 975 rushing yards:

• 556 yards came after contact
• Only 419 yards came before contact

That means Jeanty was often forced to create yards on his own because defenders were already in the backfield.

With improved blocking, his production could rise significantly.

Why Linderbaum Is a Perfect Fit

Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler at just 25 years old, is widely regarded as one of the best centers in football.

He is especially known for his ability in the running game, where his strength and mobility make him a perfect fit for Klint Kubiak’s wide-zone blocking scheme.

The Raiders believe Linderbaum can anchor the offensive line and help transform the run game.

His arrival also allows Jackson Powers-Johnson to remain at guard, strengthening the entire interior of the line.

Raiders Building Around a Young Offense

Las Vegas is clearly investing in its young offensive core.

Along with Jeanty, the Raiders are building around a new coaching staff and several developing offensive players.

Adding an elite center gives the team a foundation up front and could open far more running lanes for Jeanty in 2026.

If the offensive line improves as expected, the second-year running back could be poised for a massive breakout season.