Ravens' $36.75 million offensive weapon told to seek change of scenery

Rashod Bateman had a disappointing 2025 season, leading to speculation he could benefit from a fresh start.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Baltimore Ravens are considering moving on from wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension before the 2025 season but struggled with just 19 catches for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. ESPN's Aaron Schatz suggests Bateman may need a change of scenery, as he was unable to consistently get open against opposing teams' top coverage.

Why it matters

Bateman was expected to provide a consistent outside threat for quarterback Lamar Jackson, but his disappointing 2025 performance left the Ravens' offense lacking. If the team decides to part ways with Bateman, they will need to find a replacement while also trying to get value in return for the former first-round pick.

The details

In 2025, Bateman was often covered by opposing teams' top cornerbacks, as the Ravens' other wide receiver Zay Flowers was primarily in the slot. Schatz believes Bateman "just isn't good enough to get away from that coverage" and may thrive more as a complementary receiver on another team.

  • Bateman signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension with the Ravens before the 2025 season.

The players

Rashod Bateman

A wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension before the 2025 season but struggled with just 19 catches for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns that year.

Lamar Jackson

The quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, who was impacted by the team's offensive struggles in 2025 which included Bateman's disappointing performance.

Zay Flowers

The Ravens' other wide receiver, who was primarily covered by nickelbacks in the slot while Bateman faced top cornerbacks on the outside.

Aaron Schatz

An ESPN writer who suggested Bateman may benefit from a change of scenery after his tough 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“The idea that Bateman needs a change of scenery might be unexpected considering the Ravens signed him to a three-year, $36.75 million extension before the 2025 season. But he had a very disappointing campaign, with just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Ravens will need to decide whether to keep Bateman or try to trade him this offseason, balancing the desire to get value in return with finding a replacement for the 2025 disappointment.

The takeaway

Bateman's struggles in 2025 highlight the challenges of building a consistent passing attack in the NFL, even for a team with a talented quarterback like Lamar Jackson. The Ravens will have to carefully evaluate their options with Bateman as they look to bounce back in 2026.