When the Las Vegas Raiders made Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history this offseason, they weren’t just paying for his ability to snap a football. They were investing in a culture change for a unit that ranked among the league’s worst in 2025.

Through the first weeks of organized team activities at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, the former Raven is already making his presence felt.

“I think, one, be myself,” Linderbaum said. “At the end of the day it’s my job to get everyone to be on the same page, to play at a standard that we set and that we want to play at. And us collectively as a unit, we decide how we want to play. It starts in practice, it starts in the meeting rooms on what we want it to look like. And if we’re falling short of that, that’s on us. But the more we can practice how we want to practice, play how we want to play, the better off we’re going to be as a unit, and the better this offensive unit is going to be.”

Linderbaum’s transition to Las Vegas comes after four seasons in Baltimore and a recent wedding. He described the life changes as “awesome” and said he’s focused on attacking each day.

“Very blessed to be in the position I am,” Linderbaum said. “Obviously, getting married was the best weekend of my life, and then being able to come to a new team, it’s just the start of a new journey.”

Head coach Klint Kubiak has been impressed with the center’s demeanor. “There is just a quiet confidence,” Kubiak said. “Just a man out there running the show. Very athletic player, but a grown man.”

Kubiak, who took over a rebuilding Raiders team, made clear to general manager John Spytek that a smart, agile center was essential to his offense. Spytek responded by signing Linderbaum, and the two are now working to install a system that demands precise communication.

“I think the most important thing is just communication,” Linderbaum said. “Center’s job, communicating, being a leader on that offensive line, and trying to get people in the right places, and communicate as loud and effectively as possible.”

Building chemistry with the quarterback is magnified by a quarterback room that includes veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Linderbaum praised Mendoza’s approach: “He’s been great. Soaking in everything he’s being taught, trying to take it and then apply it into the classroom and onto the field. You can tell he wants to be great.”

Linderbaum said the veteran players’ job is to help push the rookies, knowing they’ll be counted on to help win games. “It’s our job to be the best teammate possible and help push everyone along,” he said. “And with that being said, it makes us better as well.”

That’s the standard the Raiders are hoping Linderbaum will set for an offensive line that desperately needs one.