Ahead of the NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens are signing a new contract with their starting wide receiver, Just before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens are investing in the future with one of their prior first-round selections.
The Ravens are inking wide receiver Rashod Bateman to a three-year agreement, which will keep him with the team through the 2026 campaign, according to ESPN source Adam Schefter.
The choice was made one week prior to the team’s decision-making on the exercise of Bateman’s fifth-year option as a first-round pick in 2021. The Ravens are choosing to commit to Bateman for the long haul rather than opting out.
During the previous season, Bateman, 24, started 12 games for the Ravens and completed 32 passes for 367 yards and a score. Despite his lackluster stats, Bateman has established himself as the team’s third receiving option, behind tight end Mark Andrews and second-year player Zay Flowers.
Despite missing 17 games in his first three seasons due to injuries, Bateman is healthy heading into the offseason and is expected to play a significant role in the Ravens offense the following season.
The Ravens’ prospects of selecting a receiver with a high selection pick this weekend in the NFL selection are probably diminished now that Bateman has committed to a long-term deal.