NFL News: Ravens provide Lamar Jackson with massive update about one of his key weapons

The Baltimore Ravens know how important it is to keep your star QB happy in the NFL. When you have a two-time MVP under center like Lamar Jackson, feeding him good weapons is a no-brainer. That’s why they’ve just extended one of the most reliable receivers they’ve had in the last few years.

NFL media’s Mike Garafolo reported that the AFC North champions signed WR Rashod Bateman to a three-year contract extension. This guarantees Bateman $20m and a contract up to $36.75m total. This is massive for the Ravens who, once again, fell just short in the playoffs.

Now, Bateman is staying for the next three years. This way, Baltimore ensures that Lamar Jackson will have a familiar, reliable weapon for years to come. At just 25 years old, Bateman has improved his numbers massively in the last three seasons.

Rashod Bateman is a player you shouldn’t sleep on

After a decent rookie year, Bateman’s second shot in the NFL was marked by injuries. He only played six games but racked up two TDs and 285 yards. In 2023, he had a shy season but improved to 367 yards. It was 2024 when he broke out. Last year, Bateman exploded for 756 yards and 9 TDs, soldifying himself as a solid WR2 in Baltimore. Jackson trusted him in the end zone and he made sure to keep his QB happy.

Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Washington Commanders during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Bateman also averaged 10.5 yards per target, a career-high. When healthy, he’s proven to be a great asset for the Ravens’ offense. Playing second man to Zay Flowers, Baltimore has a productive, yet not star-studded WR crew. This helps the Ravens keep a good offense and play with cheap players to stack their cap space elsewhere.

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Who are Lamar Jackson’s pass catchers?

We all know Lamar is a mobile QB who likes to explode. Whether it’s on designed runs or magical scrambles, Jackson is a problem. However, he still needs to throw the football. We all know what Derrick Henry can do as a running back for them, but who catches Lamar’s dimes?

During the offseason, the Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins, a veteran with safe hands. D-Hop is pushing for a much-coveted Super Bowl ring in the twilight of his career. He joins Zay Flowers (1,059 yards in 2024) and Bateman, who we just talked about being extended.

Having said so, tight ends have always been key for Lamar’s production in the passing department. Both Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will return this season. Yes, Andrews had a nightmare in the Divisional Round loss to the Bills. He also had an awful start to the season, but he has been Lamar’s security target throughout his career. Likely, on the other hand, is a freak athlete with explosiveness and safe hands.

It’s safe to say Baltimore wants to be an NFL powerhouse. With that in mind, it has surrounded Lamar Jackson with lots of weapons to push for the all-elusive Super Bowl. Now, it’s time for the Ravens to prove the doubters wrong by unleashing their full potential.