Kyle Hamilton's leverage in negotiations with Ravens just got a massive boost thanks to him claiming a new title for the first time

Hamilton finished second in Jeremy Fowler's poll last season, finishing behind Tampa Bay's Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2024. This year, despite a regression in statistics for Hamilton, he was able to collect a majority of the first place votes from participants. 

"Hamilton gets the benefit of the doubt despite a production dip.

In 2023, he was the only safety with at least 10 tackles for loss and 10 pass deflections. He added three sacks and four interceptions yet finished second behind Antoine Winfield Jr. in the top 10 ranking. This year, he was down significantly in each of those categories yet received more than 60% of the first-place votes.

The reason is simple: His value transcends numbers.

"All-around best player: Size instincts, production, blitz ability," an NFL personnel director said.

— ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on poll voting Kyle Hamilton as the NFL's No. 1 safety

Hamilton was also one of only four safeties to be unanimously voted in the top-10 for every submitted ballot, joining Chargers safety Derwin James, Packers safety Xavier McKinney, and Cardinals safety Budda Baker. 

The sky will continue to be the limit for Hamilton, but as the saying goes, 'heavy is the crown'. The expectations that come with being the best of the best at your position could lead to more criticism from afar. But it could also lead to more ammunition for Hamilton and his camp amid the lingering need for a contract extension between now and the end of the 2026 season, which is when Hamilton's fifth-year option is set to expire. 

Hamilton should be fired up about the honor. But his agents should be even more fired up to have this in their pocket the next time they talk to general manager Eric DeCosta. The current top-paid safety in the league is Detroit's Kerby Joseph — who finished fifth in the 2025 poll from Fowler. Joseph signed a four year, $86 million contract extension with Detroit this offseason, with fellow Lions safety Brian Branch sitting second on the list and next in line for a new deal. 

It would behoove the Ravens to get a deal done before Branch, otherwise they may be stuck seeing the price go even higher. The good news for Baltimore is that Branch can't sign a new deal until after the culmination of the 2025 season. The bad news is, of course, that Hamilton's reps now have the backing of this poll to increase their ask.