The Baltimore Ravens recently declined the fifth-year option of linebacker Patrick Queen. Indeed, they went as far as drafting his eventual replacement in the 2023 NFL Draft. All that points to Queen departing the team in the 2024 off-season at the very latest.
Indeed, the writing was on the wall for Queen after Baltimore traded for Roquan Smith last year. Queen’s inconsistency coupled with Baltimore’s banged-up linebacking corps justified trading for Smith. While Queen’s play has improved vastly with Smith around, it would be hard to justify keeping two expensive players at a low value position. Therefore, it is all but confirmed that rookie Trenton Simpson will be Smith’s long-term linebacker partner.
Having traded for Roquan Smith with their second, Baltimore's next pick came in the third round. At 86, the #Ravens selected linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson adds good depth and versatility.
Check out @Smollerreport's draft profile:https://t.co/fxObr4yLf4 pic.twitter.com/di7lN8bB4Y
— Curtis Leung (@CurtisLeung6) April 30, 2023
Queen was drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He, alongside fellow linebackers Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray and Jordyn Brooks, all had their fifth-year options declined. Looking ahead to next off-season, the Ravens will need to decide on the fifth-year options of their 2021 NFL Draft first rounders.
What is the Fate of Ravens 2021 First-Round Picks’ Fifth-Year Options?
The Ravens’ 2021 NFL Draft class featured two first-round picks: Rashod Bateman and Odafe Oweh. Both play premium positions, and both had high expectations when they entered the league. The Ravens must decide on both Bateman’s and Oweh’s fifth-year options by this time next year. It goes without saying that whether the Ravens exercise the fifth-year options of these players is highly dependent on how they play in 2023. They have, after all, only played two full seasons in the NFL so far.
It is worth noting that, for the below analysis, the numbers from the fifth-year options of the most recent eligible class have been used. The price of fifth-year options for next year will increase. This is especially true of the receiver position.
Rashod Bateman
Whether the Ravens should accept Bateman’s fifth-year option is certainly up in the air. Bateman has struggled to stay on the field in his first two seasons. And, even when he has been on the field, his production and impact have been limited. Over two years, Bateman has started just nine games, accounting for 800 yards and three touchdowns. Those are not first-round pick numbers.
What Bateman does have going for him is tape. They say film never lies and, in this case, Bateman has excellent tape. In his limited reps, he has looked sharp, athletic and confident. He was Baltimore’s best receiver at the start of 2022. His presence opened things up for Devin Duvernay and others. After Bateman’s season was ended by a foot injury, Baltimore’s offense took a step back.
Don't forget about Rashod Bateman.
This WR corps 😳 #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/uKdOjA48mb
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) April 29, 2023
As it stands, Bateman is unlikely to have his option exercised. This year, the base fifth-year option for wide receivers sat at $13 million. Only Jerry Jeudy received that. Bateman does not warrant $13 million (or more) based on his current trajectory. The young receiver is not eligible for a tag beyond the basic one due to the limited playing time he has had. That said, If Bateman has a strong year, like Jeudy’s 2022, it is highly likely that the team would pick up his option.
However, if Bateman makes the Pro Bowl, this complicates the Ravens’ decision as his fifth-year option would then sit at around $18 million. In this scenario, Baltimore would need to decide whether Bateman is worth keeping on the grounds of one highly productive year. Given that Odell Beckham Jr. only has a one-year deal, there would be a good case for keeping Bateman around for just under $20 million. Part of that could hinge on Zay Flowers‘ performances, however.
Odafe Oweh
Oweh’s situation is slightly different. Unlike Bateman, Oweh has missed just two games in his NFL career. However, Oweh’s production has largely been very underwhelming. There are positives to find in his tape, but there are also clear limitations in Oweh’s game. Over two years, Oweh has had eight sacks and made 12 tackles-for-loss.
As it stands, Oweh is the projected starting edge rusher opposite David Ojabo. As such, it means that his fifth-year option will, at the very least, be eligible for a bump due to his playing time. In 2021, that would have put his option at just over $13 million. Is Oweh worth $13 million? On his current projection, probably not. Like Bateman, there is obviously the scenario that Oweh has a breakout year. If Oweh gets double digit sacks, then the $13 million could be well worth it.
However, if Oweh makes the Pro Bowl, his option will be worth over $17.5 million. This would complicate the Ravens’ decision on the young pass rusher’s fifth-year option. They could be inclined to pick up the option given that Oweh’s successful year would mean that Baltimore had finally found their primary pass rusher. But the team also have Ojabo, who was much higher rated when he entered the league. As such, they could choose to roll with Ojabo and a new pass rusher if Ojabo shows more signs of development.
ODAFE OWEH TAKES IT AWAY pic.twitter.com/XdXzCuYmU8
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 2, 2022
Main Image: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
