Latest news with #RashodBateman
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Gophers Legend Signs Another Early Contract Extension with Ravens
They are much fewer and further between than back in the Minnesota Gophers glory days of football yesteryear, when Dinkytown developed NFL Hall of Famers like Bronko Nagurski (1927-29), Carl Eller (1961-63), Bobby Bell (1960-62) and the campus GOAT, Bud Grant (1946-49) — who lettered in three sports at the U of M before he graduated in 1950 and drafted by both the Eagles (NFL – No. 14 overall) and Lakers (NBA – No. 47 overall). But the Minnesota Gophers football program has still rolled out some impressive NFL players over the past 50 years, some eras more than others. Since PJ Fleck took over in 2017, the path from Dinkytown to the league has been busier than any other time in modern program history (20 drafted players). Advertisement But just like the athletic facilities at the University of Minnesota, the professional pipeline project on campus started with PJ's predecessors, Jerry Kill and Tracy Claeys, who were hired on in 2011 and sent eight players to the NFL via the draft, from 2014-2016. That's 28 players drafted to the NFL in 11 years (2014-25). Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images For context, the Minnesota Gophers had just 14 guys drafted to the NFL, in the 11 years prior from 2002-2013. In that tumultuous time, Glen Mason was fired (after 2006), Tim Brewster was hired (2007) and fired (2010), before Kill came along. Some of the most notable names drafted over the last decade include (DB) Antoine Winfield Jr., (C) John Michael Schmitz, (T) Daniel Faalele, (EDGE) Boye Mafe, (LB) Blake Cashman and (WR) Rashod Bateman — who caught 147 passes for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns in 31 games as a Gopher from 2018-2020 — including one season that only lasted five games, due to a shortened season and opt-out controversies. Baltimore Ravens lock up Minnesota Gophers legend, Rashod Bateman Rashod Bateman entered the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected No. 27 overall by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the only 1st round pick out of Minnesota since Laurence Maroney was drafted No. 21 overall in 2006 and just the 18th Gopher ever picked in the first round of the NFL Draft. Advertisement After a successful start to his NFL career, the Ravens ripped up Rashod's rookie contract two years early, when they signed the Minnesota Gophers legend to a $12.8 million extension last offseason, good through 2026. Now, just one year later, Bateman has agreed to another contract extension in Baltimore, this time worth three years, $36.75 million ($20M guaranteed), according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. While everyone was focused on what Derrick Henry did for the 2024 Ravens offense, last year, it was Rashod Bateman who gave Jackson a reliable touchdown target through the air, something he has struggled to find in a wide receiver, throughout his MVP career. Advertisement Related: Minnesota Gophers Add Talented Big Ten Lineman to Defense In total, Bateman has played 51 games for Baltimore, piling up 1,923 yards and 13 touchdowns on 138 receptions. Last season, the Tifton, GA native posted a career-high 756 receiving yards on 45 receptions. He also exploded for NINE touchdowns. Bateman and the Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. The former Minnesota Gophers standout will have a homecoming of sorts on November 9 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Bateman's 1,219 yards and 20.3 yards per reception in 2019 as a sophomore with Minnesota both led the Big Ten. Related Headlines
New York Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Ravens OTA observations: With third multiyear contract, Rashod Bateman enters rare air
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens and Rashod Bateman appeared destined for divorce on multiple occasions since the wide receiver entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2021. There was mounting frustration on both sides from Bateman's injury-plagued first two seasons. There was Bateman going on social media during the 2023 offseason and taking shots at Eric DeCosta, demanding that the Ravens' general manager 'care about us and see what happens' and stop pointing fingers at the wide receiver group. There were trade rumors involving Bateman in each of the past three offseasons. Advertisement Yet, Thursday's three-year, $36.75 million extension for Bateman puts him in rare air and further illustrates the growing trust and admiration between the player and team. The Ravens haven't had many players get three different multiyear contracts from the organization, and longtime franchise standouts typically achieve that distinction. Before Thursday, it certainly had never been granted to a homegrown wide receiver. 'For me, it hits different when it's a receiver here,' Bateman said after Thursday's organized team activity, referencing the franchise's well-documented issues drafting and developing wideouts. 'We all know the perspective here, and we've been through a lot. We continue to go through a lot when it comes to facing backlash here and there, or wherever it may be. But, I'll just say it means a lot to be able to start something new here, something fresh when it comes to the receivers' room, and hopefully we continue to make plays and change the narrative.' Bateman became the first homegrown receiver to sign a second multiyear contract with the team last April when he agreed to a two-year, $12.8 million extension. That deal, however, could have easily come with an asterisk given the circumstances. Because Bateman started the 2023 training camp on the 'did not report list,' he didn't accrue a credited season that year. Thus, he was not eligible for a fifth-year option that other 2021 first-round picks were afforded. The modest extension he signed 14 months ago provided him with a little more security and prevented him from becoming a restricted free agent in March. The deal, however, became more team-friendly with each passing month of the 2024 season as Bateman enjoyed a breakout year. He had 45 receptions for a career-high 756 yards. Not burdened by injuries, Bateman also had a career-high nine touchdowns and added two more scores in the playoffs, becoming one of quarterback Lamar Jackson's go-to guys at big moments. Advertisement Bateman didn't say whether he would have had a problem playing in 2025 under his previous deal. However, he said contract talks started not long after his breakout 2024 season ended. Bateman acknowledged that he's no different than other players who want to be rewarded when they outperform their contracts. 'It doesn't guarantee anything,' he said. 'I've got a good relationship with DeCosta, and I think that helped, as well. They respect how I work, how I come into the building, and my teammates do, too. I think that's why I'm still here; I hope so. It's not just about what I do on the football field, so I'm definitely hoping to continue that mindset and that work ethic to continue to prove to the coaches that I'm worthy. 'It's kind of how the league works. You get paid if you're doing the right things on and off the field, and it's a respect thing. It's showing that the organization believes in me. It (shows) that I believe in them, so hopefully this thing keeps on trucking in that direction.' Rashod Bateman earned that contract extension 😤@R_bateman2 | @Ravens — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2025 Bateman's new deal includes an $8 million signing bonus and $16.5 million guaranteed. He's now signed through 2029 at a rate of just over $9 million per year. If Bateman stays healthy and continues to ascend as a player, the contract could still be a significant bargain for the Ravens. However, after dealing with an uncertain future in Baltimore for several years, Bateman appreciates additional security and the latest show of faith from the organization. 'I knew I've always wanted to be here,' Bateman said. 'I just think, as a player, you don't know when your time is up. You don't know the conversations that are had when you're not around or in the meetings or those types of things. So, you're always wondering what's going to happen to you. You've seen some of the best players get traded sometimes, so you just never know. But we've had some good, transparent dialogue throughout this whole process. They were honest with me, I was honest with them and here we are today.' Advertisement Speaking to local reporters for the first time since returning to the organization to guide the Ravens' secondary, Pagano said no epiphany prompted a return to coaching after being out of the game since the 2020 season. That's because, in his mind, he never closed the door on getting back to coaching in the NFL. It was just going to take the right opportunity. 'I never really stopped thinking about coaching and thinking about the game,' Pagano said Thursday. 'I never really stopped thinking about maybe coming back at some point. My kids, my wife, my daughters, I've got three daughters, I got five grandkids — they don't know any better. But they all thought I retired too young, as it was. It was 2020, coming off of COVID-19, and I just kind of had enough. I was like, 'OK, I need a break,' probably like everybody else in the world, but I never really stopped thinking about it. This was just, probably the only opportunity that would get me off the couch.' Pagano coached the Ravens' secondary under John Harbaugh from 2008 to 2010 and then became the team's defensive coordinator in 2011. After one successful season running Baltimore's defense, Pagano was hired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He held that role for six seasons before he was fired following the 2017 campaign. Following a two-year stint as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator, Pagano stepped away from the NFL in early 2021. He kept up with the league as a contributor to 'The Pat McAfee Show' and never lost the itch to be back in the team environment. 'I don't have the bounce in my step that I used to, but it's been awesome,' Pagano said. 'I'm so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be back. It's always something when you have something, you kind of take it for granted, and then when you don't, you realize just how special it was to coach and be a part of something, be a part of a team, have the relationships that you develop and build when you're part of something like that. It's been awesome. (This is) obviously a gold standard of organizations, top down.' Pagano, who said he doesn't have any interest in being an NFL head coach again, is 64 years old, but as the Ravens' 32-year-old defensive coordinator Zach Orr said, 'Don't be fooled by his age. This dude has real juice and energy and knowledge, man, so I'm fired up about him and all the coaches that we brought in.' • Jackson continued to stay away from the voluntary OTAs. The quarterback has participated in just one of the team's five OTA sessions. The only other absences on Thursday were wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jake Hummel, defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike and safety Kyle Hamilton. Third-round rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr., who still hasn't been cleared as he rehabs a shoulder injury, watched practice. Advertisement • It was John Hoyland's turn in the kicking competition, and the undrafted rookie from Wyoming struggled. Hoyland went 3-of-6 on field goal attempts early in practice when the Ravens were working on two-minute situations. He was wide left from 56 yards, wide right from 51 yards and wide left again from 49 yards. After the third miss, Ravens veteran running back Derrick Henry approached Hoyland on the sideline to offer an encouraging word. Hoyland, who is primed to compete with rookie sixth-round pick Tyler Loop for Baltimore's kicking job after the release of Justin Tucker, rebounded to make his last three kicks, converting from 42, 39 and 46 yards. • Temperatures for Thursday's practice were in the mid-80s. Ravens right guard Daniel Faalele was clearly bothered by the heat. This is an annual fight at this time of year for Faalele, who is listed at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds. He's improved his conditioning significantly since his rookie year in 2022, but he's typically struggled to get through practices when the heat and humidity rise. Faalele staggered toward the sideline on a few occasions Thursday to take a knee and garner attention from the team's athletic training staff. • The play of the day in Thursday's workout was delivered by undrafted free-agent cornerback Reuben Lowery. The rookie from Tennessee-Chattanooga deflected a Devin Leary pass intended for Tylan Wallace in the end zone. Lowery then dove backward to make the interception. It was an erratic day for Leary, who drew the ire of veteran wide receiver Anthony Miller at one point of practice for an underthrown ball. • Orr confirmed Thursday that the Ravens are getting cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis some looks at safety. Armour-Davis, a fourth-year pro who has struggled to stay healthy in his young career, figures to enter training camp on the roster bubble after the Ravens drafted two cornerbacks (Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam) for a second straight year. Armour-Davis has played 19 games over three seasons and has gotten on the field more on special teams than on defense. Orr said the plan is to cross-train several defensive backs to increase the group's versatility. Advertisement • Longtime NFL head coach Jon Gruden took in the Ravens' practice Thursday as a guest of Harbaugh's and broke down the team's huddle at the end. Gruden watched part of practice alongside Harbaugh and also spent time on the field talking with DeCosta, Henry, Zay Flowers and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore Ravens extend receiver Rashod Bateman's contract through 2029 with a $36 million deal
This contract extension was less of a surprise to Rashod Bateman. The Baltimore Ravens gave out another deal to a key offensive player on Thursday, signing Bateman through 2029. The three-year, $36.75 million extension includes $20 million in guarantees, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms hadn't been announced. Bateman's second contract extension Last year, the Ravens gave Bateman a two-year extension through 2026. At that point, he'd shown potential but been limited by injuries. Then he responded last season with the best campaign of his career, catching 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His 16.8 yards per reception was the second-highest rate for a player with at least 40 catches. And now he's received another extension. "This year it made sense to me, for sure," he said after practice on Thursday. "I feel like I finally did something on the field that was impressive and something that you can respect and stand on. Before that, it was a little bit shocking." The 25-year-old Bateman is coming off his fourth pro season. Now there's a chance he'll be with the Ravens for at least five more. "We've kind of been negotiating since the end of the season. It was something that both parties wanted to do, and it just made sense for both of us, and we worked it out," Bateman said after practice Thursday. "I'm happy to be here, blessed and fortunate. So, keep chasing a Super Bowl." Baltimore Ravens' offseason moves Baltimore cut kicker Justin Tucker and signed receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but aside from that, the biggest moves this offseason for the Ravens have been the contracts they gave their own returning players. Baltimore extended running back Derrick Henry, who was entering the final year of his deal, through 2027. The Ravens also re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley when he was about to hit free agency. Now Bateman joins that group. "You get paid if you're doing the right things on and off the field, and it's a respect thing," Bateman said. "It's showing that the organization believes in me. It (shows) that I believe in them, so hopefully this thing keeps on trucking in that direction."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman signs $36.75 million contract extension
Rashod Bateman has signed a three-year contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens worth $36.75 million, with $20 million guaranteed. The deal comes after the wide receiver had his best season with the Ravens, bringing in 45 catches for career highs of 756 yards and nine touchdowns in his fourth year with the team. "It just made sense for both of us and we worked it out so I'm happy to be here, blessed and fortunate to keep chasing the Super Bowl," Bateman said. See more:
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ravens extend receiver Rashod Bateman's contract through 2029 in a $36.75M deal
The Baltimore Ravens gave out another contract extension to a key offensive player on Thursday, signing receiver Rashod Bateman through 2029. The three-year, $36.75 million extension includes $20 million in guarantees, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms hadn't been announced. 'We've kind of been negotiating since the end of the season. It was something that both parties wanted to do, and it just made sense for both of us, and we worked it out,' Bateman said after practice Thursday. 'I'm happy to be here, blessed and fortunate. So, keep chasing a Super Bowl.' The 25-year-old Bateman is coming off his fourth pro season and easily his best. After some injuries early in his career, he played all 17 games in 2024, catching 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His 16.8 yards per reception was the second-highest rate for a player with at least 40 catches. Last year, Bateman agreed to a two-year extension through 2026, and now the Ravens can keep him around considerably longer. Earlier this offseason, Baltimore extended running back Derrick Henry, who was entering the final year of his deal, through 2027. The Ravens also re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley when he was about to hit free agency. ___ AP NFL:
