Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract last offseason after a career season. However, he followed this up with an unproductive 2025 campaign, recording just 224 yards and two touchdowns. Less than a week after the Ravenshired new head coach Jesse Minter, Bateman is already causing drama.
On his backup Instagram account, Bateman posted many cryptic stories, including practice clips, and quotes about his frustration with a lack of opportunity in Baltimore.
After that, Bateman apologized, claiming he had been hacked, but acknowledged he agreed with some of the things that were posted. Saying that he agrees with some of the stories posted doesn't entirely clear the air surrounding the drama.
Among the posts on the account’s IG story: pic.twitter.com/jQ5dlQ19Ez
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 26, 2026
Bateman would obviously like a bigger role, but he needs to back this up with more consistent production. From Minter's perspective, he is quickly learning how difficult Bateman can be to deal with, and this certainly increases the chances of the wide receiver being traded -- something that already seemed likely.
The Ravens should move on from Bateman this offseason
This isn't the first time that Bateman has caused drama in the offseason. Most notably, during 2023, he called out general manager Eric DeCosta for his comments about the team's disappointing track record in the draft.
Given Bateman's unclear future with the team and frustrations with his role, it's fair to expect these comments and drama to continue if the Ravens don't trade him swiftly. Could you imagine the cryptic posts if the Ravens draft another receiver early in the draft? Or what if they land a big-name receiver in free agency or via the trade market?
Bateman's lack of production already made it easy for the team to explore trading him. At this point, he's more of a distraction than anything. This is a new team under Minter, and by all accounts, he's a no-nonsense guy. As such, I don't expect Minter to put up with Bateman, and he should be firmly on the trade block.
With that being said, his trade value is likely pretty low, and the Ravens could be hard-pressed to find suitors. Minter likely won't put up with these antics, yet this also makes trading Bateman more difficult. Even if the return isn't ideal, the Ravens should trade Bateman if they can find a suitor.
Overall, Bateman is already becoming a problem for the Ravens this offseason, and there's only one solution in sight.