Is the Ravens 2026 Starting Center Answer a Trade Deal Waiting to Happen?

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2026 NFL Draft this past weekend in Pittsburgh with a variety of needs they were keen on addressing. Some of those positions included tight end, after Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar left in free agency, as well as the guard position on the offensive line following a failed multi-year experiment with Daniel Faalele. Baltimore addressed that need by selecting former Penn State guard Vega Ioane with the 14th overall pick, a player who had been mocked to the Ravens in several pre-draft projections. They also added former Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, who brings youthful energy and strong run-stopping ability to a group headlined by free agent signing Trey Hendrickson. However, despite improvements at those positions, the Ravens failed to address the center position, leaving a gap after longtime starter Tyler Linderbaum departed for the Raiders in free agency. Now the question is whether general manager Eric DeCosta is comfortable holding an open competition with current roster options or if a trade could be on the horizon to strengthen the position for Lamar Jackson and the offense.

So far this offseason, the Ravens have added several names to the center position. The team agreed to a one-year deal with former Indianapolis Colts veteran Danny Pinter, who is the most experienced option in-house and has played both guard and center since being drafted in the fifth round in 2020. Another option is former undrafted free agent Corey Bullock, who earned a spot on the 53-man roster last year as Linderbaum’s backup. During the 2025 preseason, Bullock was viewed as a highly graded player entering the year. However, questions remain about whether he is ready to take the next step into a consistent starting role. The Ravens also added former Atlanta Falcons backup Jovaughn Gwyn, who provides interior depth and familiarity with the new offensive line coaching staff. First-year head coach Jesse Minter has stated that the position will be a work in progress throughout training camp and the preseason. While Pinter and Bullock are considered frontrunners, Baltimore has not ruled out using Andrew Vorhees at center if neither option separates itself. Additionally, the hiring of offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford could play a key role in developing a reliable starter, especially given his prior connection with Gwyn.

Another option available to the Ravens is exploring the trade market for a veteran center who can contribute immediately. In recent seasons, Baltimore has used trades to strengthen multiple position groups, often waiting until later in the offseason or during training camp to acquire key pieces. While no obvious trade targets stand out at the moment, the front office understands the importance of stability at center if they want to build a championship-caliber roster. Having a dependable player snapping the ball to Lamar Jackson would help reduce pre-snap penalties and improve composure in high-pressure situations, areas where the team has struggled, particularly in the playoffs. Whether the Ravens pursue a trade or rely on internal competition, the decision at center will play a major role in determining the overall success of the offense. This will be especially important as the team looks to take a step forward in Jesse Minter’s first year as head coach and Declan Doyle’s first season calling plays.