Rashod Bateman, Ravens
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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman reacting in the middle of an NFL game against the New York Jets.
A new option has popped up for the New York Jets.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini mentioned Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman as a trade possibility for the green and white.
Bateman, 26, will turn 27 during the 2026 season. In June of 2025, Bateman inked a $36 million contract extension that included $20 million guaranteed.
That $12.25 million annual salary places Bateman No. 32 among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
A Competent Pass Catcher Is What the Jets Seek
Bateman has never been a superstar receiver at the NFL level.
The former Minnesota product entered the league as the No. 27 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
On his college profile page, he was listed at 6-foot-2 and weighed 210 pounds. However, at his pro day, he measured in at 6-feet and 190 pounds. College programs often fudge the numbers, but normally not to that degree.
What he lacked in size, he made up for with his speed. At his pro day, he was clocked at a blazing 4.39 during his 40-yard dash.
The best single-season marks of his career have included 46 receptions (2021), 756 receiving yards (2024), and nine touchdown receptions (2024).
Bateman has appeared in 64 games and has made 47 starts. With those opportunities, Bateman has collected 262 targets, 157 receptions, 2,147 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns.
This past year, he appeared in 13 games and made 12 starts. Bateman finished with a career low of 224 receiving yards.
A Change of Scenery Is Needed
Earlier this offseason, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz wrote an article documenting all of the players in the NFL who need a “change of scenery.”
“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,” Schatz wrote.
“A part of his problem last season was that opponents treated Bateman as the Ravens’ WR1 because Zay Flowers was in the slot being covered by a nickelback. Bateman just isn’t good enough to get away from that coverage, and he might flourish with a new team for whom he can be more of a complementary player,” Schatz explained.
Exactly What the Doctor Is Looking For
That sounds like exactly what the Jets are searching for.
Garrett Wilson is the straw that stirs the drink for the Jets on offense. The team doesn’t need another No. 1 wide receiver; they just need someone who can play on the other side.
When defenses face the Jets, there isn’t a question about who the top guy is.
If the Jets swung a deal for Bateman, he could be a Robin to his Batman. Bateman may never be a Pro Bowler or star, but as long as he holds his own and catches the ball when it’s thrown to him, that would fit the bill for the Jets.
You’d also figure the acquisition cost wouldn’t be exorbitant. Bateman is coming off a bad year and has really never put up consistent quality production in his career.