The Ravens are betting huge on a breakout that is simply getting began.
Baltimore has signed extensive receiver Rashod Bateman to a three-year, $36.75 million extension that features $20 million assured, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The transfer secures considered one of Lamar Jackson’s prime weapons by means of 2029, and it caps a outstanding comeback story for the previous first-rounder.
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Bateman’s NFL journey has been something however easy. He got here into the league in 2021 with huge expectations however battled by means of accidents early on, together with hernia and foot surgical procedures that derailed his first two seasons. Final yr, he was on a modest two-year deal and did not even report back to coaching camp on time. There wasn’t a lot noise round his name-until the video games began.
From Query Mark to Sport-Changer
In 2024, Bateman silenced each doubt. He averaged 16.8 yards per catch-third within the league-and hauled in 9 touchdowns. Nobody else within the NFL mixed that degree of big-play explosiveness with constant manufacturing. His three landing catches of 40 yards or extra tied a Ravens document for a single season, and he turned Lamar Jackson’s go-to deep risk in Todd Monken’s revamped offense.
Bateman additionally performed a serious position in serving to Baltimore end with the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense. Not dangerous for a man who as soon as publicly known as out the final supervisor. (Sure, that occurred.)
The now-infamous 2023 second when Bateman criticized Eric DeCosta’s feedback in regards to the Ravens’ struggles drafting receivers might’ve soured the connection. As a substitute, it sparked a candid dialog, and Bateman later joked the 2 had been “greatest pals.” That second could have helped gasoline what got here subsequent: his greatest season but.
“I knew what I used to be able to,”Bateman mentioned after the extension was introduced. “I simply wanted to be wholesome and trusted. Baltimore gave me that.”
He should still be WR2 behind Zay Flowers on the depth chart, however Bateman has carved out his personal spotlight-and now, he is being paid prefer it.
