Ravens extend Bateman through 2026

The Baltimore Ravens have extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman through the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday.

No financial details of Bateman's new pact were revealed. Bateman had one year left on his rookie contract, and the Ravens had until May 2 to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025.

Injuries have impacted the start of the 2021 first-round pick's career. Bateman missed the first six games of his rookie season due to hernia surgery and sat out 11 games in 2022 due to a foot injury.

While Bateman was able to suit up for 16 games in 2023, he struggled to make a significant impact despite an MVP campaign from quarterback Lamar Jackson. The wideout finished with 367 yards and one touchdown reception.

"I think Rashod Bateman is going to take a big step ... Rashod is going to get opportunities this year," head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this offseason, according to team reporter Ryan Mink.

Harbaugh added, "He ran routes really well. He worked super hard. He was healthy for the first time - even as the year went on, he got healthier, and you could see it in his play. The ball got to him, (and) when it did, he made some great plays. The ball is going to get to him a lot more next year. He's going to be ready to go."

Bateman is set to start alongside Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor, though Baltimore has been rumored to be interested in taking a receiver high in the 2024 NFL Draft.