OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Extensive receiver Rashod Bateman is staying in Baltimore, in spite of everything.
Bateman reached a two-year extension with the Ravens on Wednesday, which retains the previous first spherical choose in Baltimore by the 2026 season, the workforce introduced. This shocking transfer was made eight days earlier than the Ravens needed to decide on whether or not to train Bateman’s fifth-year choice.
There had been hypothesis that Baltimore would possibly commerce Bateman through the draft just like the Ravens did with broad receiver Marquise Brown two years in the past. As an alternative, Bateman made workforce historical past, changing into the Ravens’ first first-round broad receiver to signal a second contract with Baltimore.
“Congratulations to ‘Bate’ and his household,” Ravens common supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned in a press release. “It is a good day for the Ravens.”
Bateman, 24, has had a difficult begin to his profession since being the No. 27 total choose of the 2021 draft. In three seasons, he is totaled 93 catches and 4 touchdowns.
It was solely 13 months in the past when Bateman known as out DeCosta on social media for the GM’s remark concerning the workforce’s disappointing observe document for drafting pass-catchers.
In a deleted publish, Bateman wrote: “How bout you play to your participant’s energy and cease pointing the finger at us and #8 [Lamar Jackson].” Bateman later mentioned he spoke to DeCosta, saying, “now we’re finest associates.”
Bateman’s first two seasons had been derailed by accidents. Bateman missed the primary six video games of his rookie season after present process hernia surgical procedure and was then sidelined for the ultimate 9 video games of his second season after having foot surgical procedure.
Final season, in his first full season, Bateman did not seem like on the identical web page as quarterback Lamar Jackson at instances and completed with 32 receptions for 367 yards and one landing. On the NFL mix final month, Ravens coach John Harbaugh predicted Bateman would take “an enormous step” in 2024.
“Rashod goes to get alternatives this yr,” Harbaugh mentioned in March. “He ran routes rather well. He labored tremendous laborious. He was wholesome for the primary time — even because the yr went on, he acquired more healthy, and you can see it in his play. The ball acquired to him, [and] when it did, he made some nice performs. The ball goes to get to him much more subsequent yr. He’ll be able to go.”
Bateman is projected to be the Ravens’ No. 2 broad receiver behind Zay Flowers. Baltimore’s different broad receivers are Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, Deonte Harty and Sean Ryan.
