Ravens, Rashod Bateman Agree to Three-Year Extension
A day before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman have come to a long-term agreement that will keep the three-year starter in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the extension for Bateman will keep him in the Charm City through the 2026 season. The decision for the Ravens to extend Bateman comes eight days prior to the deadline of being able to exercise Bateman’s fifth-year option. Prior to the extension, there was a ton of speculation leading up to the NFL Draft on Thursday, that had the Ravens being linked to rumors that the San Francisco 49ers could be interested in trading star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as the two sides have reached a stalemate in negotiations for a long-term extension.
Since coming into the NFL in 2021, the 24-year-old Bateman has faced multiple injuries that have limited his production through his first three seasons in the league. Before being drafted, at the University of Minnesota, Bateman had no injury issues during his three collegiate seasons as he played in all games and totaled 147 receptions, 2,395 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns in 31 games played. However, since coming to Baltimore, Bateman has had to undergo groin surgery in 2021 and Lisfranc foot surgery in 2022. Last season, Bateman finished the year fully healthy for the first time but remained a limited factor offensively, catching only 32 passes for 367 receiving yards and one touchdown, as rookie sensation Zay Flowers took over the reins as the number-one option in the Lamar Jackson led-offense. Through his first three seasons, Bateman has recorded 93 catches, 1,167 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 35 games played.
With the new extension, Bateman will enter the 2024-25 season no longer as a “lame duck” as the contract will provide added security for himself as he looks to prove that he can return to his dynamic pass-catching self and remain on the field on a consistent basis. Following the extension, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released a statement stating, “We are pleased to announce that we have extended Rashod Bateman’s contract through the 2026 season,” DeCosta continued, “Congratulations to ‘Bate’ and his family. This is a good day for the Ravens.” For the Ravens, the decision to extend Bateman solidifies their hopes that Bateman will be able to become that number two option within the offense as they compete for the Lombardi Trophy next season.
