If Baltimore wants to re-sign Linderbaum they're running out of time. Free agency starts in five weeks. It probably doesn't help that they just fired their head coach and brought in a defensive guy, who still hasn't hired an offensive staff. Maybe they'll make it happen, but I think it would be negligent for the Lions to not talk to him if he hits the open market.
Not for nothing, Linderbaum is an Iowa guy. He, Campbell, and LaPorta were all there together.
I don't think it's quite this straightforward, but even supposing it is, the Branch situation has to be fluid, no? Hell, maybe LaPorta too. Who knows what an Achilles or back injury will bring?
I don't think they should be reckless, but if you can get a guy like Linderbaum for 3 years at $54MM, which would match Creed Humphrey but not make him the highest paid center ever, I think you have to consider it. Is that $18MM APY you now don't have to re-sign guys? Yes, but you also now have one of the best in the league at a position of need. Before his injury, Branch was on a trajectory to demand even more than that (something closer to the 4/86 Kerby got). I would rather sign Linderbaum and draft Branch's eventual replacement than sit on our hands hoping to re-sign injured guys who never return to form.