Saquon Barkley's recent contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, worth $41.2 million over two years, marks a significant shift in the running back market, potentially signaling similar moves for Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens.

With Barkley now the highest-paid running back in NFL history, his deal could set a precedent for Henry, who is approaching the end of his current contract. Both players had standout seasons, showcasing their value in the league and raising expectations for their respective contract negotiations.

This shift not only impacts Henry but also the Ravens' future salary cap decisions as they look to secure key players like Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum for similar extensions.

Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions has made a significant mark in the 2024 season, securing the top spot among safeties with a remarkable PFF grade of 90.4, leading the league with nine interceptions. His breakout performance comes after two seasons of modest contributions, highlighting his potential as a key defensive player moving forward. Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens closely follows with a PFF grade of 90.0, showcasing his versatility by excelling in various positions, while Brandon Jones of the Denver Broncos rounds out the top three with significant improvements in his game, contributing to a much-stronger Bronco defense.

Xavier McKinney, now with the Green Bay Packers, proved his worth after a lucrative signing, posting an impressive 90.2 PFF coverage grade. These players, along with others like Brian Branch and Jabrill Peppers, have showcased exceptional skills, making the safety position increasingly competitive as teams evaluate their defensive strategies for the future. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the emphasis on scouting top prospects will be critical for teams looking to strengthen their rosters.

The Baltimore Ravens face a crucial decision regarding two of their standout players, safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum. Both players have showcased exceptional talent in their first three seasons, each earning two Pro Bowl selections. With the deadline to pick up their fifth-year options approaching, the Ravens must weigh the cap impacts: Hamilton's option stands at approximately $18.6 million, while Linderbaum's will hit around $23.4 million.

Given Hamilton's prowess, his contract would be a favorable deal compared to the league's top safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. Conversely, Linderbaum's option is significantly more than the highest-paid center, Creed Humphrey, by about $5.5 million. The Ravens could consider tagging Linderbaum instead, allowing them flexibility while managing their cap space effectively. Ultimately, long-term extensions loom as an ideal solution to keep both players in Baltimore for years to come.

The Baltimore Ravens are eyeing improvements to their safety depth this offseason, looking beyond the strong duo of Kyle Hamilton and Ar'Darius Washington. While both players have shown promise, the Ravens need additional support to enhance Hamilton's versatility and avoid over-reliance on just two starting safeties.

One potential target is South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori, a robust safety noted for his physical style and playmaking ability. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah highlighted Emmanwori as an under-the-radar prospect worth considering at the 27th pick. Emmanwori's impressive physique and athleticism, paired with his knack for intercepting passes—four in the last season, two of which he took back for touchdowns—make him an intriguing option that could fill gaps in the Ravens' secondary.

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a critical offseason, with safety emerging as a crucial area for improvement. Despite having standout Kyle Hamilton and promising young player Ar'Darius Washington, depth at the safety position is sorely lacking. Marcus Williams is expected to be released after being benched for a significant portion of last season, while rookies Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade are still developing. Analysts project the Ravens will target Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the upcoming NFL Draft, a versatile player known for his strong ball skills and potential to complement Hamilton in the secondary.

Last season, Baltimore's secondary struggled with big plays, surrendering the third-most completions of 20-plus yards in the league. Yates highlights Starks' impressive college stats, including six career interceptions, positioning him as a valuable asset for the Ravens’ defense. As they look to refine their roster, Baltimore's decisions in the draft will significantly impact their defensive strategy moving forward.