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The NFL money train is moving at full speed, and players are cashing in like never before. Every week, it feels like a new contract is shattering records, making fans wonder—who’s next? With defensive backs now raking in historic paydays, one Ravens star might be on the fast track to a massive bag. And according to his teammate, he better be ready to work for it.

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Marlon Humphrey had a hilarious reaction to Derek Stingley Jr.’s record-breaking $90 million extension, “Oh my goodness“. But he didn’t stop there. The Ravens cornerback is already looking ahead to Kyle Hamilton’s inevitable payday—and he’s got big plans for the young safety. If Hamilton is going to be making $40 million a year soon, Humphrey thinks he should start taking on some extra responsibilities. “When Kyle get 40 million a year. He’s gone be responsible for covering his man and my man.😊“. You know, just to earn his keep.

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Stingley’s deal with the Texans reset the defensive back market, guaranteeing him nearly every dollar of that $90 million contract. That makes him the highest-paid DB in NFL history, and it’s only adding fuel to the fire for guys like Hamilton, who are next in line for a massive extension.

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The numbers around the league are getting wild. Myles Garrett briefly held the title of the highest-paid non-QB before Ja’Marr Chase one-upped him with a $161 million deal. Tee Higgins also got paid, and just days before Stingley’s extension, Jaycee Horn secured a big-time contract with the Panthers. Simply put, elite defensive backs are becoming just as valuable as the guys they’re trying to stop.

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For the Ravens, this is all happening at the perfect time. New defensive coordinator Zach Orr has been crafting a scheme that leans on Hamilton’s versatility, and the young safety has already shown he can handle the pressure. He was one of the youngest defensive starters named to the Pro Bowl and has quickly become a key piece of Baltimore’s defense.

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That’s why Humphrey’s joking-but-not-really take on Hamilton’s future makes sense. With Antoine Winfield Jr. currently holding the title of the highest-paid safety, Hamilton could be the guy to smash through that $100 million ceiling. And when that happens, Humphrey’s just saying—maybe he can take on a little extra work. Carry some pads. Bring water. Coach a little on the side.

At the end of the day, it’s all love, but one thing’s for sure: with the way contracts are going, Kyle Hamilton’s about to be PAID. And when that check clears, Marlon Humphrey will be waiting with a fresh to-do list.

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Cap crunch conquests: Flexing on the cap game

The Ravens are flexing both on and off the field in 2025. They’re making moves and low-key bossing up their finances. Setting themselves up for a season that’s gonna be nothing but fire.

For starters, Ronnie Stanley just locked in a 3-year, $60 million deal with $44 million guaranteed. That’s a major W for the offensive line, ensuring Lamar Jackson stays lit under center. The squad is keeping it 100 by securing their trenches and proving they’re here to win.

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On the defensive side, things are just as savage. The Ravens flipped Marlon Humphrey’s contract by turning his $18 million salary and bonus into a signing bonus, freeing up about $13.396 million in cap space. This move is straight-up genius—it gives the team extra wiggle room to stay competitive all season.

But wait, there’s more! They just copped veteran backup QB Cooper Rush on a 2-year, $12.2 million. With Josh Johnson out the door, Rush is the perfect plug behind Lamar Jackson, keeping the QB game solid and ensuring the Ravens never run out of firepower.

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No cap, the financials are looking real good. With a 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million and around $11.7 million in extra space after balancing liabilities, Lamar Jackson’s Ravens have plenty of room to maneuver if the season throws any shade their way. They’re low key setting up to be a major threat both on the field and in the books.

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Written by

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Bennyhinn Teja Kota

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Bennyhinn Teja Kota is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. He brings a refreshing blend of enthusiasm and creativity to the NFL desk. His storytelling journey enriched by three years of crafting engaging content across sales and business sectors, now channels into making the thrilling world of NFL accessible to everyone. Benny combines his passion for manga and anime storytelling with sports journalism to create something truly special. At EssentiallySports, his unique approach transforms complex NFL plays into captivating narratives that welcome both seasoned fans and curious newcomers. When he's not weaving NFL stories that spark excitement, you'll find him diving into the latest manga adventure or cooking up something delicious in his kitchen – bringing that same spirit of discovery and joy to every article he writes.

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Garima Yadav

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