Free agent profiles: Corey Linsley

With the calendars about to turn to March, free agency is just around the corner. The Ravens have several possible routes to take in free agency next month, with one being to address the interior of the offensive line by signing an experienced veteran. One such candidate would be Packers C Corey Linsley, who is likely heading for a departure from Green Bay.

Linsley, 29, has spent all seven years of his career with the Packers since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Linsley has started 99 games in that time, playing in all 16 games in four out of seven seasons. 2020 was Linsley’s best season, earning him first-team All-Pro and finishing with a career-high PFF grade of 89.9, making him the highest-graded center in the NFL in 2020.

Spotrac.com currently has Linsley’s calculated market value listed as three years for $29,128,380 with an average annual salary of $9.7 million. Linsley would provide a major upgrade for Baltimore after experiencing multiple issues at the position during the 2020 season.

Matt Skura started the season at center for the Ravens before being benched following multiple errant snaps. Second-year undrafted C Patrick Mekari took over the position from Skura, but experienced snap issues of his own at inopportune times, — including in the playoffs against the Bills on a play which resulted in QB Lamar Jackson suffering a concussion and leaving the game in the third quarter.

With a potential trade of OT Orlando Brown Jr., the Ravens would be wise to invest in the offensive line, whether via free agency or with a premium pick in the upcoming draft.