Ravens Could Be Required To Pay Big Money

Linderbaum, Hamilton: Resetting Markets For Two Positions

Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum have been among two of the best players in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens identified that the pair could give them something special when they were drafted in 2022, but it might be difficult for the franchise’s general manager to admit that he expected them to turn out as good as they have.

Eric DeCosta was noted as saying the organization had managed to get the “two very best players at their position” at the time of their selection. It seems he has been proven correct. Although, it could be something that could come with a cost.

League-High Contracts Required for Extensions

Given the first couple of years that they’ve had in the NFL, Hamilton and Linderbaum haven’t only been big hits with Baltimore and their fans. They’ve also been popular choices for NFL fans who like to engage in sports betting wagers.

With all the activity in the league, a popular entertainment form to accompany the action, the use of daily fantasy sports sites has also increased. Bettors who have used offers like the one provided through PrizePicks promo code have often been selecting players like these two Ravens stars because of how their previous performance.

They’ve both been selected for the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2024, and both have contributed significantly on the field. Although a safety, Hamilton has been impactful everywhere. He is the only player over the last two seasons to have recorded over 100 tackles, a minimum of five sacks, five interceptions, and 15 pass breakups. Linderbaum has been a constant on the offense, being the only one to play in at least 93% of the team’s snaps in the last three seasons, ranking #2 last season among centers with a 96.5% pass block win rate. He allowed just one sack and was the fewest by all centers, with a minimum of 600 snaps.

With those types of performances and the time at which they are in their NFL careers, it’s no surprise that there has been some talk regarding their contact status and potential futures, especially in this regard.

An article written by ESPN has suggested that the duo could be within reason to ask for money that would put them in the category of being the highest-paid in the league at their respective position. It’s hard to argue with stats like those mentioned above. For the Ravens, it could be a costly time, while the rest of the NFL may see the markets be reset if it were to happen.

How Much Could They Earn?

Both are eligible for contract extensions this season, and it’s something that GM DeCosta is aware of. He emphasized the franchise’s desire to keep their best players on the team, highlighting their priority to retain as many of their younger players. It’s something he has mentioned that he will aim to do this offseason, too.

However, how much could the Ravens have to pay if they are to tie them to new deals? It could be a potential fortune.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to make Antoine Winfield Jr. the highest-paid safety in the NFL almost a year ago when he signed a new deal in May. His contract was for four years and would see him earn $84.1 million. At center, the Kansas City Chiefs made Creed Humphrey the highest-paid in the league in August last year, when he agreed to a four-year contract worth $72 million.

To put those numbers in context, you only have to look at what the pair are currently earning. Hamilton is said to be on a rookie contract worth $16,255,085 over four years. Linderbaum is said to be earning $13,238,286 on his rookie deal with the franchise. These figures aren’t that impactful on the Ravens’ salary cap, but the size of their possible extensions could be something that needs to be looked at.

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