The Baltimore Ravens made a smart and expected move on Wednesday, officially exercising the fifth-year option for safety Kyle Hamilton before the May 1 deadline for 2022 first-round picks. The move keeps Hamilton under contract through the 2026 season at a set salary of $18.6 million.
That number represents good business. While it’s a sizable pile of cash hit for a safety, it’s still a massive discount and underpay for a player of Hamilton's caliber—and a cost-controlled placeholder while the front office works toward a potential long-term deal.
Hamilton was one of 17 players from the 2022 first-round class to have their option exercised as of Wednesday afternoon. Given his performance and versatility, it was never in doubt, and one of the most unsurprising options picked up.
Ravens wisely pick up Kyle Hamilton's fifth-year option
Hamilton has quickly emerged as one of the most valuable defenders in the NFL. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and finished with nine pass breakups, one interception, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and 107 total tackles, earning him second-team honors in 2024.
Beyond the box score, Hamilton offers unmatched scheme flexibility. His ability to rotate between deep safety, slot corner, and even linebacker depth gives the Ravens and second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr more tools than most teams have on the back end. He ranked No. 2 among all safeties in Pro Football Focus grade last season (90.0), trailing only Detroit’s Kerby Joseph.
The Lions recently gave Joseph a four-year, $85 million contract extension—averaging $21.25 million annually, which just reset the market. Antoine Winfield Jr. previously reset the safety market with his own $84 million deal. By contrast, Hamilton’s fifth-year option comes in under both figures and offers Baltimore more negotiating room moving forward. When it's extension time, don't be surprised if the safety market is reset again by none other than Hamilton himself.
General manager Eric DeCosta said the goal is to work toward a multi-year extension, but for now, Baltimore controls Hamilton’s rights for two more seasons at a number that offers both value and flexibility. The Ravens just secured an All-Pro at below market rate—that's genius and one they'll wish they could pay again.