The Ravens have until May 1 to decide on Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum's fifth-year options, and GM Eric DeCosta is in no rush to announce a conclusion. NFL rookies are given four-year contracts when they enter the league; first-round picks include a team option for a fifth season, which teams can choose to pick up or decline.
Hamilton and Linderbaum made this an easy decision, but the organization is taking its time. Since they have both been to two Pro Bowls, Hamilton would cost $18.6 million and Linderbaum would be $23.4 million for the 2026 season.
While meeting with the media on Tuesday to discuss the 2025 NFL draft, DeCosta provided no update and sounded prepared to take things down to the final day despite clearly looking to sign both Pro Bowl players to long-term deals.
Hamilton was selected 14th overall out of Notre Dame, while Linderbaum was selected 25th out of Iowa. Hamilton is a no-brainer, and he'll likely reset the market for safeties after Antoine Winfield's $80 million deal. Linderbaum could have his option declined while Baltimore looks to work out a long-term contract with more manageable numbers for the center.
