Last season was about as forgettable a season as it could be for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
During the year, Bateman battled injuries and never looked like the same receiver. He ended up having the worst statistical season of his NFL career.
That performance came on the heels of a career year in 2024 and a three-year, $36 million contract extension. Now with a new coaching staff, it feels like the fresh start that Bateman needed after dealing with things beyond his control.
Rashod Bateman Takes a Shot at Old Coach After Appreciating New Ravens OC
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 07, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Bateman had a chance to talk to the media after practice on Thursday to chat about one week of training camp. He feels like a new man in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s offense, but shared his appreciation for Doyle through a subtle shot at former OC Todd Monken.
“I feel like in the past I’ve been a one-dimensional receiver. I feel like [Doyle] sees my talent,” Bateman said via Baltimore Sun’s Sam Cohn. “As a receiver you want someone to believe in you, to see your ability.”
Bateman played under Monken from 2023 until last season. The five-year veteran had the best season of his career under Monken in 2024, catching 45 passes for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns.
At the same time, last season was the worst year for Bateman, posting 19 receptions for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. He caught 50% of his 38 targets, the lowest of his NFL career.
Rashod Bateman Ready to Move Forward With Declan Doyle as Ravens OC
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
If there was anyone on the Ravens who needed a clean start to their career, it was Bateman. He gets to regain his WR2 role that DeAndre Hopkins took last season and run with it. Not being stuck in Monken’s style of play-calling should only help Bateman out.
Most of the problems from last year were because he was injured. With him being 100% again, the Ravens are hoping to get the 2024 version of Bateman again.
Bateman’s teammate, Zay Flowers, just got his massive contract extension, so the wide receiver room is intact for a while. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has the speed with Flowers and the possession receiver in Bateman. This passing offense is set up for success.
This training camp is big for Bateman, as he’s starting to get some stiff competition at his position. Rookie third-round pick Ja’Kobi Lane has been a standout at training camp. That is enough to put Bateman on notice.
While Doyle’s offense might be a better fit for unleashing Bateman, he needs a chance to prove it. He’ll need to outperform Lane in order to keep his job and get back to having Jackson’s trust in the offense.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Ravens’ $36 Million Playmaker Takes Subtle Jab at Former Coach appeared first on HEAVY.