Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

ESPN Survey Names Kyle Hamilton NFL’s Top Safety, $104M Deal

7/16/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kyle Hamilton Extension

ESPN’s league survey named Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton the NFL’s top safety for 2026.
Over 70 coaches and scouts voted, noting 62 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended and 81 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, 13 passes defended.
He received a four-year, $104 million extension after becoming the only defensive back with at least 15 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 5 interceptions in a season and earning All-Pro honors.

Summary

Kyle Hamilton DPOY

Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated predicts Kyle Hamilton will win the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Ravens will start 2026 with Jesse Minter as head coach and Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator, building a scheme around Hamilton.
Hamilton’s versatility lets the Ravens field lighter personnel, adopt a more aggressive defense, and aim for a 2026 playoff berth after 2025 defensive struggles.

History

Historical Context

When the Houston Texans gave J.J. Watt a six-year, $100 million extension before the 2014 season—the league’s highest average salary for a non-quarterback—it set a benchmark for elite defenders. Kyle Hamilton’s four-year, $104 million deal announced in 2026 follows that pattern, pushing the Ravens and other teams to allocate more cap space to safeties.

1 of 3

Kyle Hamilton Extension

ESPN’s league survey named Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton the NFL’s top safety for 2026.
Over 70 coaches and scouts voted, noting 62 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended and 81 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, 13 passes defended.
He received a four-year, $104 million extension after becoming the only defensive back with at least 15 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 5 interceptions in a season and earning All-Pro honors.

1 / 3