The Baltimore Ravens just secured one of the league’s biggest defensive superstars for the future, signing their All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to a four-year extension worth $100.4 million. The deal makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL, and it is the largest deal for a safety in league history. The contract comes with $82 million guaranteed and an average salary of $25.1 million per year.
No one is deserving of such a deal than Hamilton. He is the best safety in the league and a versatile chess piece that defensive coordinator Zach Orr can use anywhere he wants on the defensive side. Whether it was at free safety, outside corner, slot corner, in the box, or on the defensive line, the 24-year-old did it all in 2024. He is the important star on Baltimore’s defense.
Ravens ink All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to record-breaking extension
When General Manager Eric DeCosta announced the trade to the media on Wednesday, he had the utmost praise for the fourth-year safety.
“Phenomenal player, phenomenal person, a great leader. Very proud of Kyle,” DeCosta said. “This really recognizes his impact on our team and in the community, and we’re thrilled to get this done.”
Hamilton is coming off a second-straight Pro Bowl season and has been recognized as an All-Pro twice in three seasons. In 2023, he earned first-team All-Pro honors, and in 2024, he earned second-team honors. While the production did not stick out as much last year, Pro Football gave him the best grade of his career. He turned in a 90.1 overall grade per PFF, which was good for third at the safety position.
The Hamilton extension was one that everyone in Baltimore knew was next up on their plate. While he was not due to become a free agent until the 2027 offseason, since the team had picked up his fifth-year option, DeCosta struck at the opportunity to get the move done now.
“Talks started to heat up about three weeks ago,” DeCosta said. “The deal really speaks to how we feel about Kyle. The highest paid safety in the NFL; that’s a responsibility that we don’t take lightly…when you are the highest paid, that’s an important distinction. Kyle has proven that he’s gonna carry that very well, and we expect him to continue to be an impact player on our defense for years to come.”
There are still several other deals to get done, including Lamar Jackson, Tyler Linderbaum, and Travis Jones. Hamilton’s was the first to check off, and DeCosta and the front office will likely work to get extensions settled with the others sometime soon.