The Lounge Breaks Down Kyle Hamilton’s Historic Extension, Predicts Who’s Next to Get Paid, and Highlights Underrated Practice Squad Moves
When The Lounge podcast speaks, Ravens fans listen. Known for their balanced takes and insider-level insight, hosts Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing took to the mics again this week with a fresh episode that dove headfirst into one of the biggest headlines in Baltimore football: Kyle Hamilton’s record-setting extension. But the conversation didn’t stop there. They went on to explore who might be next in line for a big payday and gave props to some under-the-radar practice squad additions that could end up playing a big role this season. If you haven’t tuned in yet, this is the kind of breakdown that keeps fans connected to the pulse of the franchise. Let’s talk about what they said—and why it matters.
First and foremost, there’s Kyle Hamilton. The news of his extension sent shockwaves through Ravens Nation and the broader NFL. A deal of this size for a safety doesn’t come often, and The Lounge didn’t hold back in explaining just how important this moment is for both Hamilton and the team. The hosts called it what it is—a foundational move. Kyle Hamilton, still just scratching the surface of his potential, has now become one of the highest-paid safeties in league history, and it’s not hard to see why. His rare blend of size, speed, football IQ, and versatility has made him a nightmare for offenses and a chess piece the Ravens can deploy anywhere on the field.
Mink and Downing pointed out that the contract is a statement, not just a reward. It says the Ravens aren’t just trying to keep their best players—they’re committed to building a defense around a generational talent. Hamilton’s deal, reportedly stretching into the top tier of safety contracts in terms of annual value and guaranteed money, reflects a growing confidence in what he brings to the table, not just now, but over the long haul. You could hear the excitement in their voices as they described how Hamilton has become the type of player who defines a defense, a tone-setter who elevates everyone around him.
The discussion then turned toward the natural follow-up question: who’s next? The Ravens have a number of young, ascending players who are inching closer to the end of their rookie deals. If Hamilton’s extension signals a desire to lock in core talent early, who might the front office be eyeing next? The Lounge hosts had a few names ready to go. Justin Madubuike was at the top of the list, and for good reason. After a breakout year on the defensive line, Madubuike has become the kind of disruptive force teams hate to game plan against. While he’s already playing under the franchise tag, don’t be surprised if the team starts working on something longer-term to keep him in purple and black for years to come.
Another name thrown into the mix was wide receiver Rashod Bateman. While injuries have slowed his early development, the team still believes in his talent, and if he puts it all together this season, he could play his way into a second contract discussion quickly. The Lounge made it clear that the Ravens want to reward guys who fit the culture, work hard, and perform—and Bateman, when healthy, has shown flashes that fit the bill. Of course, linebacker Patrick Queen, now in Pittsburgh, was a name that used to be in this conversation. But his departure makes the Hamilton extension even more important, as Baltimore continues reshaping the core of its defense for the future.
What makes The Lounge so compelling is how they weave these big-picture topics with the smaller details that sometimes go unnoticed. After the talk about big money deals, they shifted gears to break down some key practice squad moves the Ravens have made in recent weeks. While most of the attention during roster cutdowns focuses on who makes the 53-man roster, Mink and Downing know the grind doesn’t stop there. The practice squad has become more important than ever in today’s NFL, and Baltimore has made some very strategic additions that fans should keep an eye on.
One name they were particularly high on was cornerback Beau Brinkley. Not a household name by any stretch, but his performance in camp and preseason showed enough flashes to warrant a longer look. The Ravens’ secondary has dealt with injuries and depth questions in recent seasons, and a guy like Brinkley, with raw talent and coachability, could be the kind of depth piece that makes a real difference when the inevitable attrition of a long NFL season hits.
Another sleeper mentioned was wide receiver Tayvion Robinson, who impressed during camp with his quickness and special teams ability. While it’s a crowded receiver room at the top, the bottom of the depth chart is constantly evolving, and Robinson’s skillset gives the Ravens flexibility. With a few key special teams players departing in the offseason, Robinson’s value could grow as the season wears on.
The Lounge hosts also gave credit to the front office and coaching staff for maintaining a pipeline of developmental talent. This isn’t just about who can step in tomorrow—it’s about who can grow into a contributor by midseason or next year. Baltimore has long excelled in turning undrafted players and practice squad call-ups into impact players, and Mink and Downing made it clear that tradition is alive and well.
Perhaps the most underrated takeaway from this episode was the sense of intentionality the Ravens are showing right now. Whether it’s locking in elite talent like Hamilton, keeping an eye on rising stars who deserve extensions, or making the right calls with practice squad additions, everything seems to be pointing toward sustained success. This isn’t a team making short-term splashes—it’s a franchise with a plan, executing piece by piece.
It’s this blend of savvy team-building, strong culture, and player development that’s long defined the Ravens, and The Lounge nailed that message throughout the episode. They also managed to keep things grounded and accessible. This wasn’t some overhyped take-fest—it was a smart, thoughtful conversation about where the team is now and where it’s headed. If you’re a fan who cares about the details behind the headlines, this episode was for you.
Now here’s the part where you get involved. Kyle Hamilton’s extension was a massive move—but was it the right one at the right time? Who do you think the Ravens should prioritize next for a long-term deal? Are there any practice squad players you’re particularly excited about? Drop your thoughts and predictions in the comments right here—we want to know what the Flock is feeling. And if you came across this piece from the Facebook post, make sure to leave your take there too. Let’s keep this conversation rolling all the way to kickoff.
