As we’re now officially in the offseason portion of the annual news cycle, upcoming contract extensions move closer to the top of our minds. With that being said, two of the Baltimore Ravens’ young cornerstones, center Tyler Linderbaum, and strong safety (although he often plays multiple positions) Kyle Hamilton, take center stage.
The duo is considered two of the top players under 25 in the National Football League. They both made the Pro Bowl this season and are about to “outgrow” their rookie contracts.
As you can see below, in the tweet from Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the front office will work on new deals for both.
DeCosta said the team will work on extensions for C Tyler Linderbaum and S Kyle Hamilton this offseason. They are both eligible.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 22, 2025
Both players were in the same 2022 draft class, selected in the first round out of Midwestern schools. Hamilton was selected 14th overall out of Notre Dame, while Linderbaum was selected 25th out of Iowa. Hamilton signed a four-year deal worth just north of $16 million, but his next contract will be much more massive.
There is a widespread belief that Hamilton’s next deal could set the market for NFL safeties. If that is true, Hamilton’s annual salary of about $4 million would have to be more than quintuple!
Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield is currently the NFL’s highest-paid safety, with a salary of $21M plus.
As for Linderbaum, he (like Hamilton) would become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Eric DeCosta will ensure that never happens, as he’ll likely lock in both players this spring.
Linderbaum currently makes about $3.3m per season.
Creed Humphrey, of the Kansas City Chiefs, is the NFL’s highest-paid center, with a salary of about $18 million per.
