Kyle Hamilton's 5th-Year Contract Option Exercised by Ravens, Linderbaum's Declined

The Baltimore Ravens saw enough from Kyle Hamilton in his first four years with the team to keep him around for at least one more year.

The Ravens exercised Hamilton's fifth-year option for the 2026 season on Wednesday, meaning he'll stay with Baltimore this year before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason. His fifth-year option is worth $18.6 million.

Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta said in the statement that the team's "goal" is to sign Hamilton to a multi-year contract.

The team also opted not to exercise center Tyler Linderbaum's fifth-year option, which would've been worth $23.4 million. DeCosta noted, however, that the Ravens still wants the two-time Pro Bowler to stay with the team "long term."

Hamilton has found success early on in his career after the Ravens selected the safety 14th overall in 2022. As a rookie, he recorded 62 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and five passes defended.

He followed the 2022 campaign up with an even better 2023, recording 81 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, four interceptions and 13 passes defended. He also had the first pick-six of his career that season.

The outstanding sophomore season from Hamilton earned him First-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl appearance.

In 2024, Hamilton picked up 107 tackles, two sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, an interception and nine passes defended. He was once again a Pro Bowler and was named second-team All-Pro.

Hamilton will now head into his fourthNFL campaign hoping to put together his best year and earn a lucrative contract in free agency, whether it comes from Baltimore or somewhere else.