Baltimore Beatdown
On Aug. 27, the Baltimore Ravens signed safety Kyle Hamilton to a four-year, $100.4 million deal, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL, highest non-QB ever for the Ravens and setting the record for the most guaranteed money for a safety in NFL history ($82 million). Below are the reactions from the Baltimore Beatdown staff.
It was by pure fortune the Ravens managed to draft Hamilton. The Ravens didn’t believe he’d be there at No. 14 overall. But with a mildly slow 40-time, teams forgot about his brilliant tape and let arguably the best player in the 2022 NFL Draft fall down the draft board. Three years later and at 24 years old, Hamilton’s become the best safety in the NFL and his contract extension reflects it.
It’s a significant amount of money. Paying such a premium for a safety is concerning, but Hamilton isn’t just a safety. He’s a multi-tooled defensive weapon. He’s a unicorn; one of a kind. He plays both safety positions at a top-tier level, he can play inside as a dime backer, big slot against speedier receivers and tight ends who do not gain the benefit of size advantage.
My lone concern is risk of injury. Often, Hamilton gets mildly banged up. He was battling injury last season each Sunday. He’d deliver a bone-crushing hit and suffer recoil damage. He’d be holding onto his arm, shoulder or chest and M&T Bank Stadium would hold their breath that he’d get up on his own or return to games. He always did, playing in 17 games last season.
I’m not stating it’s a significant concern. No thoughts of, “I can’t believe they paid him! He’s always injured.”
He’s played 32 of a possible 34 games the past two seasons since becoming a full-time starter. But the nicks, bruises and bumps become more the longer you’re on the field — especially with the Hamilton’s singular speed: tenacious. But at 24 years old, recovery is easier. And Hamilton is wise beyond his years in taking care of his body and preparation.
A well-earned contract for the best damn safety and one of the NFL’s best players, period. — Kyle Phoenix
Extending Kyle Hamilton was a matter of when, not if, in my mind. You simply do not let players of Hamilton’s caliber go. He is not only the best safety in the league, but one of the best and most unique defenders across the NFL. How he fell to the Ravens at pick 14 in the draft is still mind blowing.
You cannot say enough about what Hamilton brings to Baltimore’s defense. He can line up and play at an elite level at multiple positions on the field, including as a deep safety, a dime back, or in the slot. He is a rare talent that will likely be remembered among the franchise greats on defense one day — Dustin Cox
This was always going to happen. I’m honestly, I’m a little shocked at the...
