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.