On the morning of Thursday, June 5, the Baltimore Ravens extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman on a three-year, $36.75 million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed. A 2021 NFL Draft pick, Bateman earned the new contract after posting the best season of his career in 2024.
Typically, homegrown players receiving extensions are met with fan support, but this time, reactions were mixed. While some fans appreciated Bateman’s value as a depth piece, others viewed the deal as an overpay and questioned whether the investment was necessary.
Fans Erupt Over Rashod Bateman’s New Ravens Contract
The Ravens’ offensive firepower has revolved around Lamar Jackson ever since his breakout year in 2019. But in 2024, the team showcased a more balanced approach.
With Derrick Henry’s punishing ground game complementing Jackson’s legs, and a passing attack that saw the QB eclipse 4,000 yards and Zay Flowers top 1,000 receiving yards, Baltimore’s offense reached a new level of versatility. Additionally, Adam Schefter took to X to announce Bateman signing his new multi-million dollar deal.
Comp update: Ravens signed WR Rashod Bateman to a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension that includes $20 million guaranteed. https://t.co/VCHZOkmLJe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2025
In that context, Bateman clearly played a secondary, and at times even tertiary, role in the passing game, often taking a backseat to tight end Mark Andrews, who led the team in receiving touchdowns. As a result, opinions on his new deal largely depend on how much fans and analysts value Bateman’s supporting role, and whether that contribution is worth the $12+ million annual investment made by the Ravens.
One fan called the deal a bargain based on Bateman’s 2024 campaign, in which he posted career-highs with 756 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and 45 catches. While not eye-popping numbers, they align with the typical production of a quality WR2 or WR3, and the contract reflects that market range.
That’s a bargain for Rashod Bateman, really impressive season last year https://t.co/ksSLgY0wUq
— JustFootball (@JustTheStart0) June 5, 2025
Another key development is the arrival of veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins. While once elite, Hopkins appears past his prime, coming off an underwhelming stint with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. It’s unlikely he’ll command a major target share in 2025, leaving Bateman with a clear path to maintain his current role.
Some fans also drew comparisons between Bateman’s new deal and the one signed by Giants receiver Darius Slayton — three years, $36 million with $22 million guaranteed — despite Slayton producing less in 2024.
From that perspective, Bateman’s contract appears fair, if not team-friendly.
For comparison sake Darius Slayton got 3 yr 36m with 22m guaranteed
Really solid business for the #Ravens https://t.co/oNCQwXYqMa
— Ravens, CPA (@RavensCPA) June 5, 2025
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta continues to receive strong support from the fan base for his strategic decisions across free agency and the draft. As one fan put it: “Absolute steal, EDC cooked with this.”
Baltimore’s consistent roster building has earned DeCosta a solid reputation, and this move fits his philosophy.
Absolute steal, EDC cooked with this 🧑🍳 https://t.co/23EWj4xBnW
— mcnulty (@basedphantomz) June 5, 2025
Still, not all reactions were positive. One NFL fan commented, “Holy Overpay,” raising the core question: should a team pay mid-tier money to retain depth, or let a player walk and risk paying more later?
For the Ravens, the answer seems clear. They see Bateman as a steady contributor whose production fits their system.
Yet, expectations now rise. Bateman averaged just 2.6 catches per game last season. With that kind of volume, fans will demand at least 700+ yards annually to justify the investment.
Nevertheless, Baltimore ended 2024 with the second-best offense in the league per the PFSN Offense+ metric, and re-signing Bateman likely reflects a desire to preserve continuity in a system that works.
It’s a bet on stability, but if Bateman takes a leap in 2025, it may end up looking like a steal.