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Ravens' most polarizing player earns Lamar Jackson's vote of confidence

Lamar clearly believes in Rashod Bateman.
ByEamon Cassels|
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Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After a promising 2024 campaign, Rashod Bateman inked a three-year $36.75 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Bateman followed this up with a forgettable 2025 season in which he posted a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns. Shortly after the season, Bateman posted some cryptic social media content. As such, the 2021 first-round pick is one of the team's most polarizing players. 

With a new coaching staff and no clear running mate for Zay Flowers, Bateman could get back on track this season. At training camp, Lamar Jackson had some nice things to say about Bateman. 

"I had my guy back, and he looked great. Running fast, great routes, great hands," Jackson said.

Amid some of the understandable doubts about Bateman, it's good to see that he and Jackson are reconnecting in the early stages of training camp. 

A rejuvenated Rashod Bateman would be a big boost to the Baltimore Ravens' offense

The Ravens certainly need one of their receivers to establish themselves as the No. 2 option alongside Flowers. There's plenty of excitement about Devontez Walker getting a bigger role, as well as rookies Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. But a bounce-back season from Bateman shouldn't entirely be ruled out, and Jackson clearly has confidence in him. 

Look, I've been critical of Bateman at times, and after last season, this felt justified. At the end of the day, though, Bateman is the team's second most experienced receiver, and his past chemistry with Jackson has to count for something. 

As briefly mentioned earlier, Bateman had a stellar 2024 season, in which he reeled in 756 yards and nine touchdowns. The Ravens could certainly use someone who can make big plays with top-end speed and be a dependable red-zone threat. When he's at his best, this is the skill set that Bateman provides. 

Declan Doyle's new system will put explosive plays at a premium, which could help Bateman return to his 2024 standards or maybe reach another level. All of Bateman's struggles don't fall on the Ravens' old system, but it might have been a factor. 

Maybe Bateman's 2024 season was simply a flash in the pan. Nevertheless, he has a massive opportunity ahead of him with an uncertain WR group and a new coaching staff. Jackson's belief in Bateman further adds to the possibility of Bateman putting together a quality year.

Bateman has a ton to prove after the mess that was last season. If he does prove himself, though, Baltimore's offense will be in a great spot, and there will suddenly be far fewer concerns about the frequently doubted Ravens' receiver room. 

Thankfully, Bateman seems to be off to a strong start at training camp.

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