ESPN Predicts Kyle Hamilton’s Next Contract Will Reset Safety Market
Kyle Hamiton has been one of the best safeties in the NFL and a cornerstone of the Ravens defense since they selected him in the first round in 2022, and he is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted the All-Pro’s new deal will be four years, $88 million ($50 million guaranteed), which would reset the safety market in average annual value.
“Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. did a favor for the rest of the safety market with his extension last offseason, pushing the top end to around $21 million per year,” Graziano wrote. “Hamilton can and should expect to top Winfield whether his deal gets done this offseason or next.”
Graziano said the only question is whether Hamilton, who is under team control for two more seasons, and the Ravens will reach an agreement on a contract extension this offseason or if it will happen next year. The Ravens will presumably pick up Hamilton’s fifth-year option (keeping him under contract for 2026) by May 1 if an extension isn’t reached before then.
“They’d have the ability to franchise Hamilton in 2027, and the franchise number for safeties is generally among the lowest in the league,” Graziano wrote. “But it’s not like Baltimore to do that with a franchise cornerstone player like Hamilton, so I would expect the Ravens to discuss a new deal this offseason.”
In addition to Hamilton, other players from the Ravens’ loaded 2022 draft class such as first-round center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive tackle Travis Jones, and tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are also eligible for contract extensions this offseason.