Ravens exercise 5th year option on Hamilton and pass on Linderbaum.
The Baltimore Ravens made pivotal roster decisions, exercising the fifth-year option for All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton while declining the same for center Tyler Linderbaum. General Manager Eric DeCosta, however, did mention the team's commitment to locking in both 2022 first-round picks for the long haul with contract extensions.
Hamilton, selected 14th overall from Notre Dame, earns a fully guaranteed $18.6 million for 2026, a no-brainer for a two-time Pro Bowler and 2023 first-team All-Pro. The one year salary puts him in the same pay range as veterans Budda Baker and Minka Fitzpatrick. His versatility, with 250 tackles, seven sacks, and five interceptions across 48 games, makes him a defensive star. At 24, Hamilton's trajectory suggests he could reset the safety market, potentially surpassing Kerby Joseph's $21.5 million annual average.
Linderbaum, picked 25th out of Iowa, saw his $23.4 million option declined due to its steep cost, driven by the NFL's grouping of all offensive linemen to calculate the salary.
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Despite this, DeCosta stressed Linderbaum's value, 'It is our intention for him to remain a Raven long term.'
A two-time Pro Bowler, Linderbaum has started all 49 games, ranking third among centers in 2024 per Pro Football Focus. His 96.5% pass block win rate and role in Derrick Henry's 1,900-yard season highlight his elite skill. Declining the option puts Linderbaum in a contract year in 2025, likely pushing the Ravens to negotiate an extension closer to top earning center Creed Humphrey's $18 million annual salary.
DeCosta's strategy shows a great plan to manage the cap while retaining
both players for the future. Hamilton's option secures a defensive star at a reasonable rate as the safety market is on the rise, while declining Linderbaum's avoids an inflated price tag, opening the door for a cap-friendly deal. '
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As the Ravens build around Lamar Jackson, whose cap hit balloons in 2026, keeping first round talents like Hamilton and Linderbaum is crucial. Fans can expect both to anchor the team's future. For now, Baltimore's defense and offensive line remain in good hands, with Hamilton wrecking havoc in the secondary and Linderbaum breathing holes and pushing defenses back.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Ravens use fifth year option to secure future and protect the cap
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