The extension of his contract for extensive receiver Rashod Bateman by the Ravens has been met with a complete vary of reactions from followers and analysts alike. An official Ravens Twitter account introduced the contract extension, however the phrases of the deal have been by no means launched, thereby confirming the Ravens’ dedication to the 24-year-old receiver.
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Bateman was taken within the first spherical of the 2021 NFL Draft and has proven flashes of brilliance however has had damage points early on. This yr, nonetheless, he performed in all 17 video games and caught 32 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns. These numbers, lackluster as they seem on paper, have clearly not made the Ravens lose religion within the younger receiver’s potential.
The extension put forth many questions, aside from what Bateman will do subsequent season. One of many few residents requested, “Why do one other one proper now? I might have waited to see if he might play higher this yr earlier than giving him the extension.” Extra optimistic voices did maintain showing, nonetheless, with the widespread voice being, “Good transfer by the entrance workplace as a result of Bateman is our greatest deep risk.”
That was only the start of the controversy: Different critics but began evaluating him to different receivers throughout the league, with a Chiefs fan admitting, “Pissed. I needed Chiefs to get him. He’s underrated so y’all higher give him the ball.” Supporting the other although was the Steelers fan calling it “mid.”
However some reacted with cheers as a substitute of scorn. Just a few good Ravens followers have been intoxicated by the information: “Rattling proper we did!!! EDC at it once more!!!” referring to basic supervisor Eric DeCosta. One other acknowledged, “Such an underrated extension. I fing love this,” a declaration implying Bateman nonetheless has his greatest days forward.
That assertion additional sparked the receptions corps dialogue. One critic proclaimed, “My god…they doubled down on no WR assist,” in reference to ongoing worries in regards to the present catches for the workforce, apart from tight finish Mark Andrews and extensive receiver Zay Flowers. Others, in contrast, resisted this notion, holding up Bateman’s development final season as in a different way hopeful.
Curiously, even a few rival fan bases appeared to get drawn into the matter of the contract extension, with one Commander fan launching a backhanded barb: “Extra touchdowns than Flowers final season, tf you imply?” This kind of remark nearly all the time accompanies NFL roster strikes.
The extension for Bateman sees the Ravens longing for his productive contributions within the coming yr, for which the query stays if he’ll have the ability to deserve their confidence. One factor is for positive: there’s certainly sufficient gasoline for the controversy to proceed.
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So, for now, the Ravens are banking on Bateman making the subsequent step. If he can, this extension might show a pleasant little discount. If not, it might be yet one more questionable transfer in a league the place receiver manufacturing is generally scrutinized. Anyway, we can be speaking for some time.
