Ravens Player Grateful Cowboys Deal Didn't Happen

Newsweek

8 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Baltimore Ravens nearly found themselves in a situation where they had to potentially cut ties with the veteran wide receiver, Rashod Bateman.
Before inking a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, Bateman was rumored to be a target for the Dallas Cowboys. Bateman was likely open to making his way to Texas, but at the end of the day, he's thankful to remain in his current situation with the Ravens.
"I went through a lot of things with the Cowboys and all of that with my contract," Bateman told The Athletic. "There was a time when I didn't know what was going to happen. (The Cowboys talks) were a thing, for sure. It was a possibility. I don't want to deny that."
Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland
Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MarylandBaltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta kept Bateman in a positive space mentally and ensured he would be taken care of long-term.
"DeCosta, he's always making magic work," Bateman added, "and he made it work. And I'm thankful for that."
Being in the NFL since 2021, Bateman has played in 51 games across four seasons. When he was a rookie, Bateman caught 46 passes for 515 yards and one touchdown. In year two, Bateman appeared in just six games, catching 15 passes for 285 yards and two scores.
Last year, Bateman had his best season yet. The 25-year-old received 72 targets throughout the season. He caught 45 passes, totaling 756 yards in the air. He scored a career-high nine touchdowns.
The Cowboys' interest in trading for a standout WR2 was evident back in the spring. Although they were in the market for Bateman, reports suggested that the talks did not go very far. Bateman's perspective tells a slightly different story, as it seems there was some real smoke there, but the Ravens took care of business on their end.
Dallas eventually did the same.
The Cowboys made a call to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had George Pickens available on the block. Pickens recently wrapped up his third season with the Steelers. He produced 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns during his tenure in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers agreed to send the veteran wideout, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, to the Cowboys. Pittsburgh landed a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange. While the Cowboys attempted to kick the tires on acquiring Bateman, a little patience put them in a position to feel confident about their 24-year-old standout wideout. Clearly, Bateman is thrilled to remain in his position as well.
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