The Baltimore Ravens and wide receiver Rashod Bateman have agreed to a three-year extension that will keep the former first-round pick in Baltimore through 2026. The deadline to pick up Bateman’s fifth-year option was on May 2nd, and all indications pointed to the Ravens not picking up the option, thus making Bateman a free-agent in 2025 prior to Wednesday’s extension. Bateman also becomes the first Ravens wide receiver they have drafted in the first round to get a second contract from the team.
Bateman, 24, was drafted by the Ravens with the 27th overall selection in 2021 out of the University of Minnesota, and has had an up and down first three seasons. After suffering a groin injury that delayed his rookie debut until October, but still managed to record 46 receptions for 515 yards and one touchdown in just 12 games.
2022 looked to be the season Bateman would turn into the first round selection they Ravens had hoped for. With a full healthy offseason Bateman started the year hot, putting up over 100-yards in week two against the Miami Dolphins. But like his rookie season injuries would play a factor, as Bateman would suffer a foot injury which required surgery after just six games.
Last season Bateman was a reliable option at receiver for quarterback Lamar Jackson, but failed to truly put up the numbers you would expect from a player of Bateman’s caliber. Bateman recorded at least one reception in all but two games and finished the season with 32 receptions for 367 yards and one touchdown, but played in every game for the first time in his career.
In three seasons Bateman has accumulated 93 receptions for 1,167 yards, and four touchdowns, and while the number don’t jump off the page the flashes have been there to show what Bateman is capable of in this Ravens offense. Injuries have made it difficult for Bateman to find a consistent rhythm with Lamar Jackson, but hopefully with another fully healthy offseason they can find the connection we have long been waiting to see.
With Bateman now secured long-term the Ravens now have Zay Flowers, Tylan Wallace, Deonte Harty, and Nelson Agholor as viable options currently at the wide receiver position for 2024. However, only Bateman and Flowers are signed to the Ravens beyond this season, meaning the Ravens are likely to draft one if not two wide receivers. The NFL draft begins tomorrow night with the first-round, followed by round two and three on Friday, and concludes on Saturday with rounds four through seven.
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