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Will Ravens Pick Up Rashod Bateman Fifth-Year Option?
Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman could become a free agent after the 2024 NFL season.
The Baltimore Ravens will soon have to make a big decision in regards to one of their former top draft picks.
Rashod Bateman is entering his fourth season with the Ravens, but it could be his last if the team doesn't pick up his fifth-year option.
"Bateman hasn't played at the same level as his fellow first-round picks, but he's shown flashes during his three-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens," Bleacher Report writes. "Injuries have limited him to only 34 appearances and 21 starts, but he's still managed to tally 1,167 yards and four scores on 93 catches. His upside alone would justify picking up his fifth-year option, but he'll need to show more to earn an extension beyond that."
Bateman could easily stick around with the Ravens and continue to be a weapon in Lamar Jackson's arsenal. However, he has company.
The addition of Zay Flowers, a first-round pick in 2023, has hurt Bateman's chances of becoming a long-term part of the Ravens offense. Flowers emerged immediately as the WR1 for the Ravens, catching 77 passes for 858 yards and five touchdowns.
The Ravens could also look to draft another receiver in this year's draft, and that could be the most telling sign as to whether the team will stick around with Bateman. If there's a receiver drafted on Day 3 or no selection made at all, it likely would result in Bateman staying. However, another early-round receiver could spark the beginning of the end for Bateman in Baltimore.
