### Ravens Secure Rashod Bateman with New Contract After Trade Interest The Baltimore Ravens have extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman's contract through 2029, following significant trade interest from multiple teams earlier this offseason. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Bateman's camp initiated discussions for a new deal after the previous season, but the Ravens initially declined due to Bateman's existing contract. However, after seeing interest from teams like the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots, the Ravens opted to secure Bateman with a three-year, $36.75 million extension, which includes $20 million guaranteed. Bateman, who was drafted 27th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, had a breakout season in 2024, recording career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/several_teams_were_interested_in_trading_for_wr_rashod_bateman_prompting_ravens_extension/s1_17039_42300383][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/report-ravens-permitted-rashod-bateman-141257420.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHyLLRH6xlvmLTtVN20Qj7Zq4us88pHCEfKEf8CyOABeKTpNjux7Hkgzf-D74AnZMGbRZOrQbwLIz7Nd6I6XR5K-Gddy8BLO3XcbtC-dJvi_6oHfdQ2sPxEXjtk7SshXKv9jYhSs4vRtDBSbGpOFLnraCeQ2mc-toTyz5DkGaQs4]. ### Overview of the Contract Extension and Trade Interest 1. **Contract Details**: - Bateman signed a three-year extension worth $36.75 million, with $20 million guaranteed. - This deal extends his contract through 2029, reflecting the Ravens' commitment to retaining key offensive talent [https://www.wgal.com/article/sports-ravens-extend-receiver-rashod-batemans-contract-through-2029-with-3675m-deal/64997003][https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/nfl-rumors-rashod-bateman-explored-trade-ravens-contract-extension]. 2. **Trade Interest**: - Prior to the extension, Bateman's camp was allowed to explore trade options, leading to interest from teams such as the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots. - The Ravens decided to negotiate a new deal after recognizing the market for Bateman [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/report-ravens-permitted-rashod-bateman-141257420.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHyLLRH6xlvmLTtVN20Qj7Zq4us88pHCEfKEf8CyOABeKTpNjux7Hkgzf-D74AnZMGbRZOrQbwLIz7Nd6I6XR5K-Gddy8BLO3XcbtC-dJvi_6oHfdQ2sPxEXjtk7SshXKv9jYhSs4vRtDBSbGpOFLnraCeQ2mc-toTyz5DkGaQs4]. 3. **Player Performance**: - In 2024, Bateman achieved career highs with 45 receptions, 756 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Ravens [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ravens_get_great_value_with_2021_first_round_wide_receiver_extension/s1_13132_42288152][https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/ravens-sign-rashod-bateman-to-contract-extension]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Breakdown**: - Total Value: **$36.75 million** - Guaranteed Money: **$20 million** - Average Annual Value: **$12.25 million**, ranking 29th among wide receivers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ravens_get_great_value_with_2021_first_round_wide_receiver_extension/s1_13132_42288152]. - **2024 Performance Stats**: - Receptions: **45** - Receiving Yards: **756** - Touchdowns: **9** - Expected Points Added per Target: **0.6**, ranking second among qualifying wide receivers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ravens_get_great_value_with_2021_first_round_wide_receiver_extension/s1_13132_42288152]. ### Conclusion: Ravens' Strategic Move to Retain Bateman In summary, the Baltimore Ravens' decision to extend Rashod Bateman's contract reflects a strategic move to retain a promising talent amid trade interest from other teams. The new deal not only secures Bateman's future with the team but also aligns with the Ravens' broader strategy of maintaining a competitive roster. 1. **Contract Extension**: Bateman signed a three-year, $36.75 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. 2. **Trade Interest**: The Ravens allowed Bateman to explore trade options, leading to interest from several teams. 3. **Performance Improvement**: Bateman's breakout season in 2024 solidified his value to the Ravens, making the extension a logical choice [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/several_teams_were_interested_in_trading_for_wr_rashod_bateman_prompting_ravens_extension/s1_17039_42300383][https://www.wgal.com/article/sports-ravens-extend-receiver-rashod-batemans-contract-through-2029-with-3675m-deal/64997003].