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Rashod Bateman

Ravens Gave Rashod Bateman Permission To Seek Trade; Packers, Patriots Showed Interest

June 7th, 2025 at 10:19pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

When the Cowboys traded for George Pickens in May, it was revealed that they also looked into a deal for Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

Apparently, Dallas wasn’t Bateman’s only suitor this offseason; according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he drew interest from multiple teams before agreeing to terms earlier this week to stay in Baltimore through the 2029 season.

After a breakout 2024 with career-highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine) that both ranked second on the Ravens, Bateman wanted a raise on the inexpensive extension he signed last offseason. With two years and $10.25MM remaining on that deal, the Ravens had all the leverage and refused to meet Bateman’s initial asking price. But, as they have done in the past, the team allowed Bateman explore the trade market to assess his value.

In addition to the Cowboys, the Packers and the Patriots expressed interest, which likely helped to clarify Bateman’s market and bring the Ravens back to the negotiating table. Rather than pursue a trade, they opted to pay Bateman themselves, adding three years and $36.75MM to his current contract for an average of $9.5MM over the next five years.

Green Bay’s interest is certainly notable given the number of affordable regulars on its roster at the receiver position. The Packers later turned to the draft to address the position, using first- and third-round picks to load up. Aggressively searching for wideout help over the past two offseasons, the Patriots ended up with Stefon Diggs this year. Diggs, however, will turn 32 before season’s end. Bateman, 26 in November, would have provided a much younger weapon on the rise. Despite Bateman’s inconsistency — to the point his belated emergence brought a No. 2 wideout role — the former first-rounder clearly still has admirers around the league. The Cowboys later turned to Pickens, who has outproduced Bateman to this point in their respective careers.

At barely $12MM per year, it’s easy to see why the Ravens preferred to keep Bateman rather than move him for draft capital. Baltimore has struggled to draft and develop wide receivers in the Lamar Jackson era – something Bateman alluded to during a Thursday press conference – so it wouldn’t make sense to move on after finally finding some success at the position.

Bateman’s willingness to ask for a raise just one year into a new contract should signal to the Ravens that this situation could repeat itself in future offseasons if his production continues to trend upwards. However, he is now under contract for the next five seasons, which will make it hard to get back to the negotiating table anytime soon.

Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman

June 5th, 2025 at 9:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens have worked out another extension on the offensive side of the ball. Wideout Rashod Bateman has a new deal in place, per a team announcement.

Providing details on the extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports this is a three-year, $36.75MM pact. $20MM in guarantees are present in the contract. Bateman is now on the books through the 2029 campaign. When speaking to the media on Thursday, Bateman noted extension talks took place since the end of the season (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). This news marks the first time in franchise history a drafted receiver has signed multiple extensions with the Ravens.

One year ago, team and player worked out a short-term extension. That two-year deal came about during unusual circumstances, as Bateman briefly found himself on the reserve/did not report list at the start of training camp. By rule, that made him ineligible to have his fifth-year option picked up and hastened the need for a second contract to be worked out. Doing so provided the former first-rounder with a raise, something which paved the way for today’s new agreement.

Injuries proved to be a hindrance during the beginning of Bateman’s career. The Minnesota product had not lived up to expectations through his first three years in Baltimore, but he parlayed an uptick in usage into increased production in 2024. Logging a 69% snap share – in line with his workload from his rookie season but a notable spike compared to the two following years – Bateman comfortably set a new career high in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). His 16.8 yards per catch average ranked third in the NFL. Those figures, along with a full slate of games, have driven the Ravens to make an even longer commitment in this case.

Bateman, 25, did not anticipate his 2024 extension. Similarly, today’s agreement was not preceded by reports of extension talks taking place. The only news surrounding him this offseason was the revelation that Dallas pursued Bateman in a trade. The Cowboys’ WR efforts ultimately resulted their George Pickens acquisition, leaving Baltimore’s No. 2 at the position in place. Bateman’s future for the remainder of his prime is now assured, and he will stay in place while operating in a tandem with fellow former first-rounder Zay Flowers.

The top of the receiver market now sits at over $40MM per year. Bateman has not come close to matching the production of Ja’Marr Chase or the seven other wideouts attached to an AAV of at least $30MM, but this can be seen as a team-friendly deal given the recent surges in value seen at the position. At $12.25MM per year, this pact essentially doubles Bateman’s yearly earnings compared to last year’s extension, but considering his age a commitment of this kind will keep him under team control at a rate well below the cost of other ascending wideouts (especially given the expectation that the salary cap will continue rising in the coming years).

In 2024 – the second season with Todd Monken in place as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator – the team ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards. The Ravens’ only key change at the WR spot this offseason was signing DeAndre Hopkins to replace Nelson Agholor, so expectations will be high for a repeat of that success with many familiar faces in place. Baltimore has already extended running back Derrick Henry, preventing him from entering the 2025 campaign as a pending free agent.

That move has now been followed up by a new Bateman pact. Remaining extension priorities include a second contract for center Tyler Linderbaum and a cap-related deal for quarterback Lamar Jackson no later than next offseason. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, the Ravens will have stability atop the receiver depth chart with Bateman and Flowers for years to come.

Cowboys Pursued Ravens’ Rashod Bateman In Trade

May 9th, 2025 at 10:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys’ long-running search for an upper-crust No. 2 wide receiver appears to have ended with the George Pickens trade. Although Dallas does not have assurances Pickens will be more than a one-year rental, the team has an intriguing CeeDee Lamb complementary piece for 2025.

Dallas and Pittsburgh had begun discussing Pickens before the draft, and the NFC East team upped its offer — to one headlined by a 2026 third-round pick, as opposed to a fourth — to seal the deal. Prior to that agreement, however, the Cowboys are believed to have called the Ravens about one of their Zay Flowers supporting-casters.

[RELATED: Omar Khan Addresses Pickens Trade Decision]

Rashod Bateman drew Dallas interest, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. The Cowboys and Ravens discussed Bateman, though Schultz adds the conversation did not progress too far. Bateman has not delivered Pickens-level production yet, but the Ravens have shown faith in the 2021 first-round pick.

The sides agreed on an extension last year, after Baltimore let Odell Beckham Jr. walk in free agency, and Bateman’s second contract likely led to a higher asking price coming from the AFC North team. The former first-round pick is signed through 2026 at just $6.4MM per year.

Bateman’s production would not warrant a lofty asking price; Pickens has the Minnesota alum lapped there. At 25, Bateman is also more than a year older and carries a notable injury history that Pickens does not. But the Ravens expressed confidence in the former No. 27 overall pick’s trajectory by extending him. The Ravens saw Bateman help Lamar Jackson to a third first-team All-Pro season by posting a career-high 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. The latter number smashed Bateman’s career-best mark, as he had not previously surpassed two TDs in a season.

Not bringing the maturity concerns Pickens does, Bateman also carrying a through-2026 contract — with base salaries of just $3.75 (guaranteed) and $6.5MM (nonguaranteed) — would make him a player that would command a reasonable asking price in a trade. The Ravens also did not add a wide receiver until Round 6 in this year’s draft, which came after the team replaced Nelson Agholor with DeAndre Hopkins in free agency.

Not missing a game due to injury over the past two seasons, Bateman has created some distance from the concerns that developed after an injury-marred 2022 campaign. With Hopkins not delivering too much for a Chiefs team in need at receiver last season, the Ravens will again count on Bateman as their top Flowers sidekick.

As we covered in our latest Trade Rumors Front Office piece, the Steelers have established a decades-long trend of not having two wideouts tied to lucrative contracts. Despite having no franchise-QB salary on their books, the Steelers agreed to part with Pickens for a package headlined by only a third-round pick. Pickens follows Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Martavis Bryant and Santonio Holmes as Mike Tomlin-era receivers traded in a contract year. (Pittsburgh also traded Antonio Brown, but he was not in a walk year in 2019.)

Pittsburgh had effectively determined it would not extend Pickens, a player Dallas brass will now evaluate. Rather than having Bateman for two more seasons, the Cowboys have Pickens contracted for one and hold exclusive negotiating rights with him until March.

Ravens Notes: Jackson, Bateman, OL, Tampa

July 22nd, 2024 at 8:55pm CST by Ben Levine

Before veteran Eddie Jackson landed in Baltimore, the safety got a ringing endorsement from a Ravens defender. Linebacker Roquan Smith told reporters that he put in a good word to management about Jackson.

“Yes, I always tell the truth,” Smith said (via the team’s website). “I have great respect for Eddie [Jackson] and [I’ve] known Eddie since I came into the league. Like I said earlier, I think he’s a great asset for our team. [He’s] obviously been making plays in this league for a very long time, and with the pieces that we have here, and then with his talent, and having him in his role, I think it will go well for us.”

Jackson previously spent his entire seven-year career with the Bears, and he played more than four of those seasons alongside Smith. After starting all 100 of his appearances in Chicago, Jackson won’t be nearly as relied upon in Baltimore. The team is mostly looking for a replacement for Geno Stone, who often played with Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton in three-safety looks.

Smith also touched on the major shakeup on the sidelines. Inside linebackers coach Zach Orr replaced Mike Macdonald as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, and the star pass-rusher is optimistic that the new defensive play-caller will seamlessly replace the former defensive play-caller.

“I think are very similar that’s here, and I have a great deal of respect for Zach [Orr and] his mindset,” Smith said. “He’s been out there on the field, and believe it or not, obviously him and Mike [Macdonald] are two totally different people, and they’re unique in their own way, but through the headset, they actually sound the same. Every voice I’ve heard through a headset all sounds the same. I’m like, ‘Is that Mike or something?’ I told ‘Z.O.’ one day during OTAs, so it’s pretty funny. I’m excited for ‘Z.O.,’ for him to showcase what he’s able to do with the pieces that we have here and showcase it to the world. We’ve all been doubted before, [how] things may not be as good as this, that or the third, but the game gives us the opportunity to prove that. I have a great deal of respect for ‘Z.O.,’ and that he’ll prove it week-in and week-out, and it’s going to start here in training camp, preparing for the year.”

More notes out of Baltimore…

WR Rashod Bateman Addresses Ravens Extension

May 29th, 2024 at 5:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

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.

That agreement – which came about in part due to the fact Bateman was on track for restricted free agency in 2025 – has a maximum value of $16.75MM. The former first-rounder therefore remains firmlly in the team’s plans, and he could be positioned to take on a larger role in 2024. Bateman himself was surprised when the team made the offer, though.

“That extension definitely came out of nowhere,” the 24-year-old said, via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (subscription required). “I’m blessed, for sure. I did not see them doing that, but it shows that… the team believes in me. I love playing here. I love this organization… I feel like I still have a lot to do, so it was a no-brainer for me, for sure.”

Bateman entered the league with considerable expectations given his college production and the presumed role he would play early on in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense. He faced injury problems during his first two seasons, though, being limited to 18 games in that span. He suited up for 16 contests, logging a career-high 610 offensive snaps. Bateman finished with a 32-367-1 statline, however, and more will be expected moving forward.

Falling in line with recent trends, the Ravens used a Day 1 selection on Zay Flowers last year. He had a strong rookie season (914 scrimmage yards, six total touchdowns) and projects to once again play a central role in Baltimore’s passing game this season. The team saw Odell Beckham Jr. depart in free agency, although veteran Nelson Agholor was retained this offseason.

That sets the Ravens up for a Flowers-Bateman-Agholor trio at the WR spot in 2024. Of course, All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews will serve as a focal point in the team’s offense for the foreseeable future. Bateman has the opportunity to cement his status as a key cog in the passing attack as well, though, and doing so would give Baltimore another young producer. His level of play in 2024 will be a key storyline to follow.

Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman

April 29th, 2024 at 9:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 29: Unlike the rest of the 2021 first-round picks who entered this offseason on their rookie contracts, Bateman was ineligible for the fifth-year option due to his stay on the reserve/did not report list last summer, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec notes. The short stay before reporting to camp last year would have made Bateman a restricted free agent in 2025 and a UFA in ’26, helping shape his recent extension.

Bateman’s through-2026 deal is worth $15.25MM, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. The deal can max out at $16.75MM. Bateman will be 27 when this contract expires, giving the Ravens potential upside in exchange for some security after a bumpy first three seasons.

APRIL 24: Rashod Bateman delivered a healthy season last year, and although the former first-round pick operated as more of an auxiliary target in 2023, the Ravens view him as a key part of their future.

The defending AFC North champions showed this by agreeing to an extension with Bateman on Wednesday. The parties agreed on a deal that runs through 2026. This would effectively be a two-year extension for Bateman, whose rookie contract was set to expire after the 2024 season.

After two injury-plagued seasons and a 16-game 2023 campaign that only produced 367 yards, Bateman was not a reasonable candidate to see his fifth-year option picked up by the May 2 deadline. But the Ravens have reached a compromise with the Minnesota alum. While Bateman has not lived up to his No. 27 overall draft slot, he will gain a bit of security with this deal. Though, the terms will be telling here.

Bateman’s career high in receiving yardage (515) came as a rookie, and the 2021 draftee has only totaled four career receiving touchdowns. The Ravens were counting on the 6-foot-1 receiver in 2022, but a foot injury ended his season after six games. The team brought in more help last year, adding Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and Zay Flowers. Beckham, who played ahead of Bateman last year, is out of the picture for 2024. Flowers is in place as the Ravens’ WR centerpiece, with Agholor still on the roster.

The Ravens have been pursuing more help, hosting Michael Gallup and Josh Reynolds (who later joined the Broncos) on free agency visits in March. They ended up signing receiver/return man Deonte Harty earlier this month. With Agholor in a contract year and Beckham having been the team’s second-leading receiver last season, the Ravens looking for more help in the draft would make sense. But this agreement probably buys Bateman more time. He figures to be in Baltimore’s 2025 plans as well.

Mark Andrews remains the Ravens’ aerial centerpiece; he has displayed by far the best rapport with Lamar Jackson. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens use Bateman going forward, after separating with Beckham. The well-traveled standout remains unsigned but is not expected back in Baltimore.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
  • Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

  1. QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): Exercised
  2. QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM): Declined
  3. QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM): Declined
  4. TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM): Exercised
  5. WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
  6. WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): Exercised
  7. T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
  8. CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
  9. CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
  10. WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
  11. QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): Declined
  12. DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
  13. T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
  14. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
  15. QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM): Declined
  16. LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM): Declined
  17. T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
  18. LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): Exercised
  19. LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
  20. WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM): Declined
  21. DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM): Exercised
  22. CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM): Declined
  23. T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM): Exercised
  24. RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Declined
  25. RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): Exercised
  26. CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
  27. WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): N/A; extended through 2026
  28. DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM): Declined
  29. CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM): Declined
  30. DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM): Exercised
  31. LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM): Exercised
  32. LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM): Declined

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

Latest On Ravens’ Backfield Injuries

September 30th, 2023 at 10:28am CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens are dealing with injuries throughout their offense, with wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman having already been ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the Browns (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). While Baltimore’s receiving corps may be in doubt, the team did get some good news regarding their running back depth.

Justice Hill is expected to play on Sunday against Cleveland, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A toe injury kept Hill off the field for last weekend’s loss to the Colts.

The Ravens were really forced to dig into their running back depth against Indy. J.K. Dobbins, of course, has been ruled out for the season, and with Hill missing the contest, the Ravens were expected to lean heavily on Gus Edwards. However, the veteran suffered a concussion during that contest, and the Ravens ended up giving Melvin Gordon and Kenyan Drake a combined 40 snaps.

While Fowler notes that Gordon is still expected to be called up from the practice squad for Baltimore’s Week 4 game, it sounds like the team should be able to roll with their top-two options at the position. Edwards returned to practice this week, an indication that he’s cleared concussion protocol and should be good to go for this weekend.

With Hill also expected back, it will be interesting to see how the Ravens divvy up the RB snaps. Hill outsnapped Edwards when the two played alongside each other in Week 2 (43 to 32), and Hill also got more snaps when Dobbins went down during Week 1.

Latest On Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins, Rashod Bateman

August 25th, 2023 at 9:39am CST by Adam La Rose

The 2023 offseason saw the Ravens make a number of changes on offense, but returnees will still have a major role to play in the unit’s success. That group includes running back J.K. Dobbins and wideout Rashod Bateman, who recently addressed the injury troubles which have marred their respective careers.

Dobbins missed all of 2021 and much of last season due to a major knee injury. The 24-year-old was able to return for the closing weeks of the campaign and Baltimore’s wild-card loss, but he was then absent for much of this offseason. Dobbins was not in attendance for OTAs or minicamp, and it was not until last week that he was activated from the PUP list.

Uncertainty clouded whether an injury or dissatisfaction with his contract status was the reason Dobbins did not take part in spring practices and most of training camp. His return was welcomed by a team which should again rely on him to lead its backfield, although the Ohio State product has not received the workload of many other No. 1 backs when on the field. In any case, he is confident in his prospects for 2023.

“That’s a tough question,” Dobbins said, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, when speaking about his absence in the spring (subscription required). “I was just being cautious. My teammates need me, so I want to be there for my teammates. That’s all it was. My teammates understood what was going on. So, it’s all good now. I’m out here.

“I’m pretty dang confident, especially coming off the end of the year last year,” he added. “A lot of people could see that I wasn’t all the way 100 percent healthy, but I still had some pretty good games there… If I get the volume as some of the other guys, it’ll be a really good year.”

Signficant usage for Dobbins would mark a change from Baltimore’s previous approach with him, seeing as he has received more than 15 carries in a game only once so far in his career. It could also result in a productive campaign, something with signficant financial implications. Dobbins is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and, as Zrebiec confirms, nothing is imminent on the extension front. A healthy year would, in any event, help Dobbins’ case dramatically.

The same is true of Bateman, who has been limited to just 18 games across his first two years in the NFL. The former first-rounder was shut down due to a Lisfranc injury in 2022, and he too was not activated until August. Bateman has amassed 800 yards on a healthy 13.1 yards per reception average to date, but more will be expected of him in 2023 if he can put together a full season with respect to availability. He echoed Dobbins’ confidence in being healed in full at this point, and that his previous injury issues are now behind him.

The Minnesota product is joined in the WR corps by free agent additions Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, along with first-round rookie Zay Flowers. Those new faces have increased expectations for Baltimore’s passing game, which will be directed by new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Bateman, 23, will nevertheless be a focal point if he can reach his potential, which was showcased by his first two Ravens campaigns and a strong career in college.

Amongst their remarks, both Dobbins and Bateman expressed a desire to remain in Baltimore for years to come. With the former set to hit free agency next March and the latter due to have a decision made on his fifth-year option next spring as well, the health and play of both will be worth watching closely in 2023.

Ravens Activate WR Rashod Bateman

August 9th, 2023 at 12:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

Injuries have marred Rashod Bateman‘s NFL career, and the Ravens have made significant adjustments to their wide receiver room this offseason. But the 2021 first-round pick will begin factoring into the team’s pass-catching work Wednesday.

Bateman passed his physical and is off Baltimore’s active/PUP list, the team announced. He will join Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and first-round pick Zay Flowers in a revamped position group. Bateman has not played since sustaining a Lisfranc injury in October 2022.

While Bateman returned in time for OTAs, he received a cortisone shot in his foot in June. That injection was only supposed to sideline the Minnesota alum for a brief period, but he ended up missing two weeks of training camp. John Harbaugh alluded to Bateman’s foot surgery leading to pain in other areas. Nevertheless, the third-year receiver is back in action.

This is not new territory for Bateman, who underwent groin surgery that shelved him for part of the Ravens’ 2021 camp and the start of that season. Bateman has missed 16 games during his career thus far. After a promising start to his sophomore NFL campaign, Bateman saw the Lisfranc surgery shut him down after six games. He totaled 15 receptions for 285 yards to start last season.

The Ravens operated with intent at receiver this offseason, blowing away the competition with a $15MM guarantee for Beckham and selecting a wideout in Round 1 for the third time in five years. Flowers and OBJ have impressed at camp thus far. It will be interesting to see how Bateman looks alongside the imported duo. He will have just more than a month to return to game shape ahead of his third regular season.

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