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Browns miss out on top center in NFL free agency despite deep connection
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- Browns miss out on top center in NFL free agency despite deep connection
The 2026 NFL Free Agency period is finally here , which means Cleveland Browns fans are excited to see who general manager ultimately decides to sign this offseason.
Unfortunately for fans, the first day of the legal tampering period has been underwhelming for the Browns, as the front office missed out on one of the top-rated free agents on Monday afternoon.
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According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Las Vegas Raiders and former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum have agreed to a massive three-year, $81 million deal , eliminating the Browns from contention.
How Linderbaum's Signing Affects the Browns
Linderbaum, who is regarded as one of the best centers in the NFL, was a key target for Cleveland in free agency this offseason. After spending his entire career with the Ravens, the former 2022 first-round pick was expected to receive plenty of attention this offseason. And with newly-hired head coach Todd Monken's past relationship with Linderbaum in Baltimore, the Browns were seemingly in the running for him this offseason.
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However, with the best cap situation in the NFL, the Raiders were able to pay a premium for Linderbaum, which puts Berry and the front office in an interesting spot for the rest of the free agency period. NFL insider Dianna Russini also confirmed that the Browns did show interest in Linderbaum, but the price was "too high."
To make matters worse, the Detroit Lions have reportedly signed former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million deal on Monday. Mays was widely considered to be one of the better centers hitting the free agency market, and now, the pickings are slim for the Browns if Berry and company are looking to add a center.
With both Linderbaum and Mays out of contention for Cleveland, Berry must look elsewhere in the open market if he wants to sign a center. Former Tennessee Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry could be a viable option for the Browns, but depending on how the rest of the free agency market pans out, there's a good chance that the front office could address the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns miss out on top center in NFL free agency despite deep connection
