The Ravens announced the decisions Wednesday afternoon, 24 hours before the fifth-year option deadline. It, however, had become clear in recent weeks that this is the direction they’d go in, and that had nothing to do with Linderbaum’s performance on the field, where he’s been one of Baltimore’s most consistent players.

The Ravens are locking in safety Kyle Hamilton for 2026. Baltimore announced the club has exercised the fifth-year option on Hamilton's rookie contract. Hamilton will now be paid $18.6 million in his fifth season.

The Baltimore Ravens landed a stud in the 2022 NFL draft when they selected standout safety Kyle Hamilton with their No. 14 overall pick. Now one of the league's best defensive players, Hamilton is heading into his fourth season with the Ravens — making him eligible for a long-term contract extension.