The Baltimore Ravens have extended former first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman ahead of his fifth NFL season. The team announced his extension on Thursday morning.
Although the Ravens did not reveal any details of the new contract, NBC Sports reported that the 25-year-old signed a three-year, $36.75 million deal, including $20 million in guaranteed money.
The extension follows another one last season that tied him to Baltimore through the end of 2026. Bateman’s new contract will keep him with the AFC contenders through the 2029 season.
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Baltimore drafted the Minnesota product with the 27th pick in 2021. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, Bateman’s first two seasons in the NFL did not unfold as expected. In 2021, he was placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury and got surgery in September. He was activated the following month but finished his rookie year with just 515 yards and a touchdown.
Bateman’s sophomore year was also tainted by injuries — this time, with his foot. Despite being a full-time starting wide receiver and a strong start to the season, his campaign ended in November when a nagging foot injury needed to be surgically repaired. He finished the year with 15 catches for 285 receiving yards and two touchdowns in six appearances.
After three disappointing runs with the Ravens, Bateman had his best season so far last year with 45 catches in 72 targets for 756 yards and nine touchdowns.
So far in his NFL career, Bateman has 138 catches for 1,923 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Ravens have made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, including a Conference Championship berth in 2023 before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Baltimore led the AFC North this past season with a 12-5 record. They bested the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Playoffs.
Bateman and Zay Flowers have led the wideouts in Baltimore with the likes of Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester as direct backups. However, the Ravens’ offseason signing of veteran DeAndre Hopkins could shake up how the playing time is distributed among the catchers.
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