Rashod Bateman’s performances for the Baltimore Ravens throughout the past three seasons have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Because of that, he was mentioned earlier in the offseason as a possible trade target.
In the midst of three disappointing seasons, Bateman was able to secure a contract extension this offseason that will keep him with the Ravens until 2026.
The wide receiver’s contract extension demonstrates the Ravens’ commitment to him, and Bateman will now have tremendous pressure to live up to the team’s faith in him by performing well in 2024.
Tuesday marked the Ravens’ return to their training facility for optional organized team activities, and so far, Bateman has shown promise. He displayed the explosiveness that everyone witnessed when he was a college player during practice, while also making a few great catches.
Tight end Mark Andrews, Bateman’s teammate, told the media earlier this week that he thinks the former All-American is headed toward being one of the best wide receivers in the league.
On Tuesday, Andrews said, “I think it’s happening right now. I think he looks incredible. He has it all down to a science: running his route, catching the ball, and being where he’s supposed to be.”
“I know he’s worked really hard, but he looks about as put together as he’s ever been. So, it’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now,” Andrews continued.
Bateman could have a bit of a breakout in 2024, but it’s unclear if it would result in much output considering the Ravens consistently rank in the lower half of the league in pass attempts. Baltimore’s tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Zay Flowers also account for a sizable portion of the targets.
Rashod Bateman Was Surprised By The Decision To Extend His Contract
The extension that Rashod Bateman signed in April puts him under contract with the Baltimore Ravens through 2026. Thanks to that deal, which was made possible in part by the fact that Bateman was expected to be eligible for restricted free agency in 2025, we now know that the wide receiver is still very much a part of the team’s plans and may even be primed for a bigger role in 2024.
Bateman said he wasn’t sure he would be with the organization in the future, so he wasn’t expecting to be offered a contract during his first offseason press presentation.
“First of all, I had no idea what was going to happen to me. I had no idea if I would stay, get traded, or anything,” Bateman remarked. “So, the extension definitely came out of nowhere. Although I did not see them doing that, it shows their faith in me, my abilities, and my work ethic. It was an easy decision for me to sign because the team has faith in me. I still feel like I have a lot to do, so it was a no-brainer for me for sure.”
Bateman struggled with injuries during his first two NFL seasons, playing in just 18 games overall. It is now essential that the Baltimore Ravens get a breakout season out of their former 27th overall pick in his fourth year in the league.
Bateman will have the chance to solidify his position as a vital component of the Ravens’ passing attack in 2024. His performance level this season will be a crucial plot point to watch.
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