After three injury-plagued years, Rashod Bateman wasn't sure if he was going to stay with the Baltimore Ravens.
So, when the Ravens offered Bateman a contract extension this offseason, he was delighted, if not a little surprised.
While speaking to reporters at Ravens OTAs on Tuesday, Bateman said the extension — which Spotrac reports is worth $12.8 million over two years — "came out of nowhere."
"I didn't know what was going to happen with me," Bateman said. "I didn't know if I was going to be here, trade, or anything. So, the extension definitely came out of nowhere. I'm blessed, for sure. I did not see them doing that. But it shows they believe in me, believe in my work, my [work] ethic. The team believes in me, so, it was a no-brainer. I love being here."
A first-round draft pick in 2021, Bateman hasn't yet lived up to his draft position. He has tallied 93 catches, 1,167 yards, and 4 touchdowns in 34 career games.
However, Bateman has often dealt with injuries, including a foot injury last season. Though he didn't put up big numbers in 2023, once he got healthy, the Ravens felt he was better than his numbers showed.
The Ravens have continued to hype Bateman up. After news of his extension broke, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said he thinks Bateman has a "bright future."
"I've said it a million times. I'm excited to watch Rashod this year," DeCosta said (via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). "I think his best football is ahead of him. It's something he wanted. It's something we wanted. He's got a very bright future."
Betting that Bateman will improve may be why the Ravens' wide receiver depth chart still appear shallow on paper.
Bateman has also reportedly looked good in OTAs so far. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews told reporters that he is predicting a breakout season for Bateman.
"He looks incredible. He looks as put together as he’s ever been. It’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now."
Andrews on Rashod Bateman: “He looks incredible. He looks as put together as he’s ever been. It’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 28, 2024
If Bateman lives up to the Ravens' expectations, that extension could become a value signing for Baltimore.
