Another season ended in disappointment when it mattered most, but the Baltimore Ravens have a core of talented players they need to secure for the future—starting with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. He is projected to land a contract extension that could reshape the safety market this offseason.
The prediction comes from Spotrac.com Managing Editor Michael Ginnitti, who highlighted how last year’s extension for Antoine Winfield Jr. with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave the safety market a boost. According to Ginnitti, “Hamilton should all but destroy his numbers ($21M APY, 53.5% guaranteed).”
Ginnitti projects Hamilton will receive a three-year, $75 million deal, including $58 million in guaranteed money. It would be a well-earned payday for the former first-round pick, who has lived up to expectations and played a pivotal role in transforming a once-vulnerable Ravens defense.
Kyle Hamilton’s Breakout Season Warrants a Major Payday
Hamilton’s contract outlook is strengthened by his impact this season. Moving from a box safety role to a deep coverage position, he helped stabilize Baltimore’s pass defense. Partnering with Ar’Darius Washington, Hamilton explained his transition to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports in November:
“The coaches, they just felt like for our defense, it would be best for me to kind of chill on a lot of the nickel stuff and dime stuff, and go back to playing safety. Just kind of be that backstop for our defense. We were struggling against the pass, and I think we were kind of experimenting—trying new stuff out.”
The adjustment paid off, as shown by data compiled by Farrar:
Before Hamilton’s move: +0.08 EPA/Play (fourth-worst in the NFL)
Since Week 11: -0.17 EPA/Play (best in the league)
These numbers reinforce the argument for extending Hamilton early. As the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he still has two years remaining on his rookie contract. However, Ginnitti suggests the Ravens will likely exercise his fifth-year option—estimated at $18.3 million—before negotiating an extension.
By locking Hamilton in now, Baltimore could avoid an even steeper price tag down the road, especially if he continues building on an already impressive resume.
Ravens Weighing Hamilton’s Future Role
While Hamilton’s versatility gives the Ravens options, the defense flourished once he settled into a more defined role. However, Baltimore may look to expand his responsibilities again next season.
General manager Eric DeCosta indicated the team plans to acquire another safety to add “multiplicity” to the defense, according to Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner. That move could allow Hamilton to return closer to the line of scrimmage, where he excelled early in his career.
Even with potential adjustments to the secondary—including replacing struggling cornerback Brandon Stephens—the Ravens will rely on Hamilton as a cornerstone of their defense. No matter where he lines up, securing him long-term is essential for Baltimore to remain a contender in the AFC.
