Every offseason, we see players try their hand at a little recruiting. Whether it's a cryptic tweet, an Instagram DM, or a not-so-subtle shoutout during an interview, the recruiting game never stops in the NFL. This time, it’s Los Angeles Rams star receiver Puka Nacua taking his shot at luring one of the Baltimore Ravens' best defensive players away.
During an interview on The Mina Kimes Show, Nacua had plenty of praise for Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, hyping up his elite size, versatility, and ability to take over a game. But he didn’t stop there. The standout receiver went full-blown recruiter, ending his praise with an open invite to Los Angeles. “Hey, if you’re ready to come to L.A. where it’s sunny all the time, we’ll be waiting for you,” Nacua said.
Kyle Hamilton and Puka Nacua RAVING about how much they love each other's games...might be the most wholesome two minutes ever published on my show 🥹
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) February 12, 2025
Had a chance to discuss the Super Bowl, Ravens/Rams offseason + more w/ @kyledhamilton_ and @AsapPuka: https://t.co/2HlPBzJfAh pic.twitter.com/Yl0011Whk0
Obviously, Ravens fans can relax—Hamilton isn’t going anywhere. But that doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining to watch other players openly dream about getting him on their squad. Nacua might be joking, but his words tell us something we already knew: Hamilton is that dude.
Kyle Hamilton isn’t just elite—he’s one of one
Nacua didn’t just toss out a casual compliment—he went in-depth on what makes Hamilton special:
“I’m not a defensive coach or telling anybody who they should pick, but I’m like, ‘Kyle Hamilton’s got to be the perfect build for any DB,’” Nacua said. “We’re talking about playing dimebacker, we’re talking about playing safety in the post. I know you were in the box when we played you guys, just moving all over the place with size to fit in the box and then the speed and athleticism to play on the back end. Not everybody has that.”
Hamilton, at 6-foot-4, has a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Most defensive backs don’t have the ability to line up as a deep safety, a box linebacker, and a slot defender all in the same game. Hamilton does. It’s why he’s been the backbone of Baltimore’s secondary since being drafted in 2022.
Nacua even compared Hamilton to some of the league’s best defensive backs, saying, “I know as a receiver, the matchups you’re most excited for are guys like Pat Surtain, guys like you, Kyle, guys like Jalen Ramsey.” That’s elite company. And while it’s flattering to hear players recognize Hamilton’s greatness, there’s one simple reality for the Rams: this man is not leaving Baltimore.
The Ravens hold Hamilton’s fifth-year option, meaning they have him locked in for at least the next two seasons. On top of that, Baltimore isn’t in the business of letting cornerstone defensive players walk—especially not one as unique as Hamilton. General manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens front office are likely already thinking about locking him into a long-term extension before that even becomes a conversation.
That doesn’t mean players won’t try. Nacua is just saying what most offensive stars around the league are thinking: having Hamilton on your team would be an absolute game-changer. But for now, he’ll have to settle for watching Hamilton make life miserable for opposing offenses in Baltimore. Unless he wants to come play for the Ravens...
So, sorry Rams fans, but this is one recruiting pitch that won’t work. Hamilton is built for Baltimore, and that’s exactly where he’ll stay.