Ravens Sign WR Rashod Bateman to 3-Year, $36.75M Extension

The Baltimore Ravens have secured a vital piece of their offense for the foreseeable future, announcing a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension with wide receiver Rashod Bateman on Thursday. The extension includes $20 million in guaranteed money, ensuring Bateman will remain one of Lamar Jackson’s top targets in the coming years.

(Jessica Rapfogel/ USA Today)

Bateman, a former 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has become one of the NFL's most explosive wide receivers. In 2024, Bateman’s 16.8 yards per catch ranked third in the league, behind only Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts (22.3) and Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions (17.3). His ability to stretch the field was a game-changer for the Ravens' offense last season, with Bateman recording three touchdown catches of 40 yards or more — tied for the most by any Ravens player since at least 2000.

Bateman’s career didn’t get off to an ideal start. After undergoing hernia surgery that caused him to miss the first five games of his rookie season, Bateman faced further setbacks, being sidelined for the final nine games of his second season due to foot surgery. Despite these challenges, the 25-year-old wideout showed resilience and a strong commitment to his recovery, setting the stage for a career year in 2024.

In March 2023, Bateman made headlines when he called out Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta on social media in response to a comment about the team’s struggles with drafting pass catchers. However, Bateman later clarified that he and DeCosta had a productive conversation, calling their relationship “best friends” afterward. This reconciliation, coupled with Bateman’s improved performance, paved the way for his standout season in 2024, where he notched career-high totals of 756 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.

After a standout 2024 season, the Ravens rewarded Bateman with the extension, locking him in through the 2029 season. This comes just a year after Bateman signed a team-friendly two-year deal worth $12.8 million, which was needed to solidify his spot with the team. The new extension signals his value as the Ravens’ most explosive wide receiver, providing Lamar Jackson with a deep threat to complement the team's offensive attack.

Bateman’s extension is more than just a contract renewal — it highlights his growth from an underperforming first-round pick to the primary deep threat for the NFL's No. 1 offense in 2024. Bateman was the only player last season to average over 16 yards per reception while recording at least nine touchdown catches.

The Ravens are setting their sights on continued success with Bateman as one of the central pieces in their high-powered offense. As the team gears up for future seasons, Bateman’s big-play ability, combined with his growing chemistry with Jackson, will make the Ravens’ passing game even more dangerous. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Bateman’s extension will influence the offense, with hopes of a playoff run and even more explosive plays in the seasons ahead.