Rashod Bateman has not had a breakout campaign to date, but he will have a number of opportunities to deliver one in the coming years. The fourth-year Ravens wideout is under contract through 2026 as a result of the extension he signed in April.
The maximum value of that arrangement, which was facilitated in part by Bateman’s projected restricted free agency in 2025, is $16.75MM. Thus, the former first-round pick is still very much in the team’s plans, and in 2024, he might be set up to play a bigger part. Still, Bateman was taken aback when the team extended the offer.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (subscription needed), the 24-year-old stated, “That extension definitely came out of nowhere.””I am undoubtedly blessed. Although I did not witness them doing it, it demonstrates that the team has faith in me. I adore having fun at the moment. I love this business. It was certainly the right decision, as I still feel like I have a lot of work to accomplish.
Because of his success in college and the anticipation that he would play a key part in Baltimore’s run-heavy attack right away, Bateman came into the league with high expectations. However, he was only able to play in 18 games in his first two seasons due to injuries. He played in 16 games and recorded 610 offensive snaps, a career high. Nevertheless, Bateman ended with a 32-367-1 statline, and more will be anticipated going forward.
Following the current trend, the Ravens selected Zach Flowers on the first day of the draft the previous year. He possessed a powerful debut campaign (914 scrimmage yards, six total touchdowns), and he is expected to be a key component of Baltimore’s passing attack this year. Odell Beckham Jr. left the organization in free agency, but this offseason, the experienced Nelson Agholor was kept on.
This positions Flowers, Bateman, and Agholor as the Ravens’ three wide receivers in 2024. Naturally, Mark Andrews, an All-Pro tight end, will be the center of attention for the team’s offensive strategy going forward. But Bateman also has the chance to solidify his place as a vital component of the passing attack, which would provide Baltimore with another youthful weapon. One of the main plot points to watch in 2024 will be his level of play.
