Ravens' Kyle Hamilton inks extension, becomes NFL's top-paid safety

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Kyle Hamilton signed a four-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, general manager Eric DeCosta announced Wednesday.

While DeCosta did not reveal the sum total, multiple media outlets reported that it's worth $100.4 million with $82 million guaranteed. The $25.1 million average annual value eclipses the $21.25 million pocketed by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph.

"We started really kind of engaging with Kyle and his group just before we broke on vacation," DeCosta said. "But I would say that talks started to heat up about three weeks ago. Appreciate the dialogue that we had with those guys. I think the deal really does speak to how we feel about Kyle -- highest-paid safety in the NFL.

"That's a responsibility that we don't take lightly. We've had a few players over the years become the highest paid at their position. And I think when you are the highest paid, that's an important distinction. And I think Kyle has proven that he's going to carry that very well, and we expect him to continue to be an impact player in our defense for years to come."

The Ravens picked up Hamilton's fifth-year option on April 30.

Hamilton, 24, was the No. 14 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 48 games (36 starts) in the regular season, with 250 tackles, seven sacks, five interceptions (one for a TD) and four forced fumbles.

He was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

"Well deserved, as you all know," DeCosta said. "Phenomenal player, phenomenal person. A great leader. I'm very, very proud of Kyle. Everything he brings to the community, on and off the field, his family. We think this really recognizes his impact on our team and in the community."

--Field Level Media