Ravens’ Bold Move with Kyle Hamilton Sparks Division-Wide Buzz—What It Means for Their Future

Ever wonder what it takes to lock down a rising star before he becomes untouchable on the open market? The Baltimore Ravens might just have answered that question with their recent move on Kyle Hamilton. Picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract wasn’t a surprise, but making it official sends a loud message: this defense isn’t parting ways with one of its cornerstones anytime soon. At just 24, Hamilton’s already carved out a reputation as a shutdown force—so much so that the Ravens’ brass is clearly eager to get a long-term, big-money deal inked before other teams come knocking. It’s a classic “bet on proven talent” scenario, and considering his All-Pro accolades and jaw-dropping stats, it’s hard to argue against it. But here’s a thought—will this extension be the start of a long dynasty in Baltimore’s secondary, or just one chapter in Hamilton’s ever-evolving story? Let’s dive into what this means, on and off the field.

The Baltimore Ravens are keeping one of their key guys for years to come.

It was never in doubt, but it’s now official.

According to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN, they chose to pick up the fifth-year option on Kyle Hamilton’s rookie contract.

As such, he will now be under contract through the 2026 season.

Ravens exercised the fifth-year option for safety Kyle Hamilton.

Statement from GM Eric DeCosta: pic.twitter.com/NDIYJ7cqVb

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2025

Teams have until Thursday to exercise the fifth-year option on the rookie deals of first-round picks taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Now, he will make a whopping $18.6 million in 2026.

In a statement, GM Eric DeCosta revealed that the team will try to get a multi-year contract extension done.

The Ravens took Hamilton with the No. 14 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly established himself as a lockdown cornerback, so this was an easy decision.

He was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro last season, and he earned Pro Bowl selections in both seasons as well.

He’s coming off an outstanding season, finishing with 107 total tackles, nine passes defended, six QB hits, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and one pick.

Throughout the course of his career, he’s logged 27 passes defended, 18 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks across 48 appearances.

He’s a mainstay of the defense, and it shouldn’t be long before the team gets him signed to a long-term and very lucrative contract extension that will make him much more than the nearly $17 million he’s scheduled to make in 2026.

On another note, the Ravens chose not to pick up the fifth-year option on OL Tyler Linderbaum, although they will reportedly try to sign him to a long-term contract anyway.

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