The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season with some potential roster shakeups, especially after a lackluster 2025 campaign. One player who might be on the move is wide receiver Rashod Bateman, whose performance last season didn’t quite meet expectations.
Bateman, who inked a three-year, $36.75 million deal with the Ravens last offseason, struggled to deliver the impact the team had hoped for. His stats tell the story: just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Not exactly what the Ravens envisioned when they brought him on board.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz suggests that a change of scenery could be beneficial for Bateman. Although it might seem surprising given his recent contract extension, the numbers paint a clear picture of a player who didn’t quite fit into the Ravens’ offensive scheme last year.
Bateman was supposed to be a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson, but injuries to Jackson and strategic mismatches hindered their connection. Opponents often treated Bateman as the primary outside threat, which proved challenging as he faced tougher coverage while Zay Flowers operated from the slot.
Schatz argues that Bateman might thrive in a different environment where he isn't the main focus of the defense, allowing him to excel as a complementary piece in another team’s offense.
If the Ravens decide to part ways with Bateman, they face a dual challenge. They’ll need to secure a good return on their investment while also finding a suitable replacement to bolster their receiving corps.
Ultimately, while the decision is complex, Schatz’s analysis highlights that a fresh start could be in Bateman’s best interest, potentially unlocking his full potential in a new setting.