Kyle Hamilton is one of the top safeties and all-around defensive backs in the NFL, and thanks to Antoine Winfield Jr., the Ravens now have a starting point for a new contract with their Swiss army knife.
Tampa Bay inked Winfield Jr. to a four-year contract worth $84.1M, with $45M fully guaranteed and an average of $21 million per season.
Winfield Jr. is now the NFL’s highest-paid defensive back and the first safety to hold that distinction after he logged 122 tackles, 12 passes defended, six sacks, a league-best six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions last season.
Winfield had a $17 million franchise tag placed on him after he earned First-Team All-Pro, becoming the Bucs’ Swiss army knife that can flourish in support against the run, dominate as a deep safety with range, and blitz the quarterback from the secondary.
With the move now official, here’s how it’ll impact Baltimore’s star safety.
Hamilton is him
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) intercepts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Still nowhere near the age of 25 (23), Hamilton was the youngest defensive starter named to the Pro Bowl, quickly emerging as the NFL’s premier safety in his second season. Hamilton plays with poise and maturity while allowing new Ravens DC Zach Orr to implement a dynamic and versatile scheme with three safeties on the field.
Winfield Jr. is accomplished
Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) reacts on the field during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Winfield is now the highest-paid defensive back in the league, and he’s earned that distinction after he logged a career-best 122 combined tackles, eight quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, 12 passes defended, and three interceptions in 17 games.
Winfield became the only player over the last 25 years to record 100+ tackles, 5+ forced fumbles, 5.0 sacks, and ten passes defended in a single season.
Ten highest paid safeties –total value
The $84 million shattered the record $76 million total previously given to Derwin James when he signed his new deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ten highest paid safeties –Average per Year
The $21 million per season average for Winfield Jr. now surpasses the $19 million per year given to Derwin James as a safety and the $21 million paid to Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Final analysis
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after his interception during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Hamilton is only a year older or the same age as five defensive backs selected in the 2024 NFL draft, including new teammate Beau Brade. Only Brian Branch of the Lions can offer similar potential and versatility, and Hamilton will surely exceed the $70 million contract given to current teammate Marcus Williams. Next season will be Hamilton’s third year in the league, and he’ll be eligible for a contract extension, with two years left on his deal, including the fifth-year option.
Of the five highest-paid safeties currently in the NFL, only Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Winfield Jr. are more accomplished, meaning Hamilton could be the first $100 million safety in NFL history.
