One year ago, the Bengals prioritized a long-term extension for safety Jessie Bates. That never materialized, leaving both sides in a similar situation to the one they are in now. Despite the franchise tag being in place, a new deal is still the team’s goal, reports Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. 
Bates would have been one of the top safeties on the market had he reached free agency. To no one’s surprise, though, the Bengals used the franchise tag on the 25-year-old earlier this month. That opened up a negotiating window which lasts until July 15 for the two sides to agree on a new deal. If that doesn’t happen, he will earn $12.9MM in 2022.
“We obviously tried to get him re-signed last year”, said Bengals executive VP Katie Blackburn. “Thought we had a good chance of getting that done but it didn’t quite get there. I think they wanted to see where the market went in free agency and at some point, we’ll circle back with him and see where we are.”
Bates had an underwhelming regular season in 2021, recording 88 tackles and one interception. He had two picks and four pass breakups in a more true-to-form postseason, however. That could help him land a contract placing him amongst the highest-paid safeties in the league. Conway names Justin Simmons, Kevin Byard, Marcus Williams and Harrison Smith as relevant comparisons to Bates, given his skillset; that quartet currently averages $14.8MM per season.
While nothing seems imminent regarding contract talks between the two sides, this situation will certainly be one to follow throughout the spring.
I don’t see it happening. His choice of agent, and general attitude, suggest he’s looking for a top 2 safety contract. Hard to justify for a guy who was extremely average over the 17 game season last year, as well as the fact that he’s never even made a pro bowl. The safety market this off-season also doesn’t support the money he’s likely looking for. I expect him to play on the tag. If he has a top 5 season this year, I’d expect it again next season. Bengals have actual playmakers to pay. While Bates is a nice player, he’s no game wrecker. Can’t pay everyone..
Bates isn’t an actual playmaker? Come on. I get that you can’t pay everyone, but he’s their best defensive player, he’s 25, and he wants to stay. Seems like a weird guy to nickel and dime, but the Bengals do that to everyone. If they want to keep any of their core long term, they’re going to have to actually start guaranteeing money beyond the first year.
Nickel and dime? Have you seen how much they’ve spent the past three years? They do their contracts that way for a reason. While other teams are in salary cap hell, they still have plenty of room and an already great roster. Once they have to pay Burrow, Higgins and Chase, it may change a little, but they’re always planning ahead.
The future is now. It’s time to actually start keeping some core players. I like their work on the o line, but there’s a reason they’re never in for top flight external talent.
The only reason they have decent cap room is because of the Rookie contracts. San Diego has the same fortune. They were able to sign Mike Williams, trade for Mack and sign JC Jackson because of the Rookie quarterback contract. If the Bengals don’t get with the system and start restructuring contracts and converting it to bonuses, they’ll quickly find themselves losing good players
The Bengals haven’t “nickeled and dimed” their own players in 25 years. If anything, they’ve overpaid their vets based on past performance.
And, bigger than that, there have been VERY few players that they’ve cut simply for cap purposes.
I disagree with him being best defensive player. I would rank Reader , Hendrickson and possibly Wilson ahead of him. He’s not worth franchise tag imo … he’s not a top 3 safety which is what the franchise tag represents being an average of too 5. He’s a good player but so was Reggie Nelson and other above average safeties in Bengals past …