The saga between the Cincinnati Bengals and safety Jessie Bates III will finally end, as shared by NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport.
Jessie Bates is, in fact, back in the building and set to sign his franchise tag, source confirms. https://t.co/jVKYnTHzcV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2022
Rapoport tweeted, “Jessie Bates is, in fact, back in the building and set to sign his franchise tag, source confirms.”
He said this in response to USA Today’s Kelsey Conway who posted, “Breaking news: #Bengals safety Jessie Bates, after not reporting for training camp at the start due to failed contract negotiations, is back in the team building, a source tells me. This comes a day before the team starts practices against the Rams.”
This is great news for the Bengals since Bates has been away from the team for most of training camp due to contract negotiations.
The Bengals offered Bates the franchise tag worth $12.9 million in hopes of extending their talks.
However, Bates did not like the fact that he was offered just $17 million in guaranteed money for his extension.
This time, Bates might have accepted the fact that he will not get his big payday from the Bengals.
Still, he can use the upcoming season to prove himself worthy of a massive contract.
A Good Problem For The Bengals
Bates’ situation is a by-product of how good the Bengals roster is.
As early as now they are already preparing cap space for players who will command a big payday.
Joe Burrow is eligible for an extension after the 2022 season while Ja’Marr Chase will also command top dollar if he keeps on playing like he did during his rookie year.
There’s also Tee Higgins who also deserves a mega-payday.
It would be difficult for the Bengals to keep everyone because they all deserve a raise.
Therefore, they have to prioritize the players with the highest worth and Bates isn’t one of those guys.
NEXT: The Bengals Will Seek Super Bowl Revenge This Week