The Baltimore Ravens re-signed wide receiver Rashod Bateman to a three-year extension earlier in the offseason, but that new contract didn’t come without some trade drama. Earlier in the offseason, reports across the league suggested the Dallas Cowboys were trying to trade for the former first-round pick. While nothing came of those talks, Bateman recently discussed the potential move and why he’s happy to be in Baltimore.
While Rashod Bateman acknowledged that trade talks never got far, he said going to Dallas “was a possibility,” but one he’s glad never happened. The wide receiver said he always wanted to stay in Baltimore and thanked General Manager Eric DeCosta for keeping him in town.
“That’s the first thing I told [DeCosta]: I don’t want to go anywhere else. ‘I know you’ve got a lot of stuff to work through and we’ll figure it out when we figure it out,'” Bateman said. “It took time, but it takes time with a lot of people’s contracts. He had a lot of contracts to get done, and maybe more to get done in the future. To be a priority for him in that way is important. He shows he values me.”
Rashod Bateman Speaks on Potential Cowboys, Ravens Trade
With Rashod Bateman trade talks falling through, the Cowboys ultimately pivoted and acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Paired with superstar CeeDee Lamb, the talented but troubled Pickens should give quarterback Dak Prescott one of the league’s better receiving duos, provided his off-field issues don’t impact his on-field production.
Bateman, meanwhile, should be the WR2 opposite Zay Flowers and the third option in the passing attack behind Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. These three, combined with veteran DeAndre Hopkins and running back Derrick Henry, should give the Ravens one of the game’s better offensive attacks.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – Imagn Images
