Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton is the highest-paid safety in the history of the NFL. His four-year, $100.4 million contract has reset the market at the position. Amid the difficult news of roster cuts, his deal is worth celebrating for Ravens fans and players alike.
But Hamilton isn't thinking about his new contract. He's not even focused on the future of his career. Instead, he's worried about the Buffalo Bills.
Ravens star Kyle Hamilton still focused on Bills after new contract
When asked about whether he thinks about his legacy as a potential Ravens great after signing his new contract, Hamilton shut the idea down. Instead, he took the opportunity to remind fans about the team's exit from the 2024 playoffs. Hamilton said, "It sounds cliché, but I'm worried about the Bills."
The Ravens and Bills face off in prime time in the opening week of the NFL season. Just the mention of Buffalo is enough to bring back painful memories from January. The Bills cut short what could have been a Super Bowl run for Baltimore. Furthermore, Josh Allen claimed what fans believe should have been Lamar Jackson's third MVP award.
It's hard to fault a player for looking forward to his next opponent. It's exactly what coaches would be preaching at this point in the calendar. The Ravens have had months to stew on the defeat, and Week 1 revenge would at least ease the pain.
But can we take just a moment to celebrate Hamilton's success so far? He's one of the biggest draft successes in recent Ravens history. Despite the financial restrictions the deal may mean for the rest of the roster, this deal is as well-deserved as they come.
Hamilton and the Ravens' defense became one of the most dominant units in the NFL over the second half of the 2024 season. After a rough start, they finished in the top ten in the NFL in both yards and points allowed.
The combination of the team's stifling defense and overpowering offense created a monster that looked destined for Super Bowl glory. Then, Buffalo happened. Josh Allen and the Bills rolled through the defense that had come so far from the start of the season. They ended Baltimore's dream, sending them to their couches to watch the AFC Championship Game.
Hopefully, Hamilton and the Ravens can overcome their AFC foes in the season opener. Then, maybe Hamilton can spend some time thinking about his legacy in Baltimore.