Rashod Bateman Stands Firm Amid Lamar Jackson Criticism as Ravens Face Pivotal Contract Decisions That Could Shape Franchise Future
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has never been one to stir the pot. Reserved, calculated, and always team-oriented, Bateman has focused most of his energy on staying healthy and becoming the reliable wideout Lamar Jackson has long needed. But even Bateman couldn’t hold back his shock and frustration when asked about the persistent criticism that surrounds his quarterback—a former MVP, team captain, and the face of the franchise. In a recent interview, Bateman didn’t mince words: he was flabbergasted by the continued disrespect Lamar Jackson receives, both from national media and within certain corners of the fanbase.
His reaction has since gone viral—and for good reason. Bateman’s defense of Jackson comes at a pivotal moment for the Ravens, with key contract extensions looming, the pressure of playoff expectations mounting, and the future of their offensive core hanging in the balance. In many ways, Bateman’s words signal a broader sentiment within the Ravens’ locker room: that the team is united behind its leader, even as outside noise tries to undermine him.
Lamar Jackson has become one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL—not because of any scandal or off-field distraction, but because his playstyle challenges the traditional quarterback mold. Since taking over as Baltimore’s full-time starter in 2019, Jackson has done nothing but win. He’s the fastest quarterback in league history to reach 50 wins, he owns a regular-season MVP trophy, and he’s redefined the Ravens’ offensive identity.
Yet, despite his accolades, criticism persists. Detractors point to his 2–4 playoff record and occasional bouts of inconsistency in the passing game. They argue that he hasn’t “won the big one,” and some question whether his style can sustain long-term success in a league that traditionally favors pocket passers.
This is the criticism that leaves Bateman—and much of the Ravens roster—utterly baffled.
“I don’t understand it,” Bateman said. “Lamar does everything for this team. He wins, he leads, he works harder than anybody. What more do people want?”
For Bateman, who has fought through injuries and growing pains while trying to carve out his role, the idea that Jackson isn’t a franchise-caliber quarterback is laughable. He sees the film. He runs the routes. He knows firsthand what it’s like to have a quarterback who can make something out of nothing—who turns broken plays into backbreaking gains.
And he’s not alone.
Privately and publicly, the Ravens’ locker room has rallied around Jackson. Veteran leaders like Mark Andrews and Ronnie Stanley have repeatedly praised his leadership and toughness. Newer additions, such as Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. during his stint, spoke openly about Jackson’s presence and ability to elevate those around him.
Head coach John Harbaugh has also made it clear that Jackson is the guy, emphasizing his growth as a passer and his command of the offense under Todd Monken. The offensive scheme continues to evolve, with more motion, pre-snap reads, and complex route trees—elements Jackson has embraced.
To many within the team, the criticism feels outdated—a holdover from earlier years when Jackson’s mechanics were still raw and the Ravens leaned heavily on the run. Now, with Jackson posting career highs in completion percentage, showcasing improved pocket presence, and developing chemistry with a retooled receiving corps, the narrative hasn’t caught up with the reality.
Bateman’s comments about Jackson came not only from a place of loyalty, but also from personal experience. Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Bateman was seen as a solution to the Ravens’ long-standing receiver woes. He flashed early but has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries.
Now entering the final stretch of his rookie contract, Bateman has plenty to prove. The 2025 season could determine whether he earns a second deal with the Ravens—or whether he becomes another name on a long list of drafted wideouts who never quite panned out in Baltimore.
But Bateman’s support for Jackson is more than performative. He believes that a healthy season in this offense, with a full offseason to build timing and rapport, could unlock something special. And if that happens, it could solidify his place in Baltimore’s future.
Bateman isn’t the only Raven with looming contract implications. The front office, led by general manager Eric DeCosta, faces a series of tough decisions over the next 12 months.
Among the most notable extension candidates:
- Rashod Bateman – Entering year four of his rookie deal. A breakout campaign could trigger fifth-year option or long-term negotiations.
- Patrick Queen – Already departed to Pittsburgh in free agency, but his exit signals that the team may be more selective in who they extend.
- Justin Madubuike – Already extended on a lucrative deal, showing the front office’s willingness to lock down young defensive talent.
- Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo – Pass rushers with potential but inconsistent production. The team must decide if they’re building blocks or rotation pieces.
The balancing act is tricky. The Ravens are now a team built around their quarterback—who signed a five-year, $260 million extension in 2023—and must construct the roster carefully to stay competitive under the salary cap.
That means every extension has to count. DeCosta has been meticulous in managing contracts, often letting players walk rather than overpaying. But Bateman’s future may come down to what he shows this season—both in terms of production and availability.
Despite the talk about extensions and cap space, the most important storyline remains the play on the field—and Lamar Jackson remains the engine that makes the Ravens go.
Last season, Jackson posted his second MVP-caliber campaign, finishing with over 4,000 combined yards and 33 total touchdowns while reducing turnovers and leading Baltimore to a 13–4 record. He showed growth in the short and intermediate passing game, utilized his tight ends effectively, and began developing trust with young receivers like Zay Flowers.
Still, the season ended in disappointment. A home AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs exposed some remaining flaws—predictability in play-calling, red-zone inefficiency, and missed opportunities on crucial third downs.
For Jackson, 2025 represents a season of unfinished business. He’s already proven he can win games, produce highlights, and fill seats. Now, he wants the one thing that continues to elude him: a Super Bowl.
Bateman finds himself in the middle of all this. As the Ravens continue to evolve their passing game, his ability to separate on intermediate routes and serve as a reliable possession target will be critical. While Flowers provides the speed and YAC upside, Bateman’s size and physicality offer something different.
If he stays healthy and builds on a promising training camp, he could become Jackson’s go-to on third downs and in the red zone. That trust, once established, is how contracts get earned in Baltimore. It’s also how doubters get silenced.
Rashod Bateman’s impassioned defense of Lamar Jackson may have made headlines, but it speaks to something deeper than just media chatter. It’s about loyalty—to a teammate, to a locker room, and to a vision of what the Ravens can be.
As the 2025 season approaches, Baltimore finds itself at a crossroads. With a franchise quarterback in his prime, a reshaped offense, and looming extension decisions, the pressure is real. Every game will matter. Every mistake will be magnified.
But if Bateman is right—if Jackson truly is as elite and unappreciated as he believes—then the Ravens have every reason to believe the best is yet to come. And if Bateman can rise alongside him, they just might silence the critics for good—on the way to something unforgettable.
