The Las Vegas Raiders were well-positioned to land Tyler Linderbaum ahead of free agency, considering they had the most salary cap space in the league, desperately needed reinforcements up front, and new head coach Klint Kubiak has stressed the importance of the center position.
But it wasn't going to be easy to land the crown jewel of this year's free agency class, as the 25-year-old center is a perennial Pro Bowler with endless suitors and a very high pricetag attached to his services. Plus, he had major connections to the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Ultimately, though, none of that mattered. Linderbaum reached an agreement with the Raiders on Monday, just hours after the legal tampering period began. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Linderbaum is set to sign a market-shattering three-year deal worth $81 million. $27 million per year.
Raiders land ultimate prize in free agency with Tyler Linderbaum signing
Las Vegas was fairly quiet in the early portion of Monday's shenanigans, but it is now obvious why: They were working out details with the best free agent on the market, and finalizing a deal that will change everything for the franchise. A successful and massive hunt for the Raiders' front office.