ESPN Picks Browns As Best Fit For Bengals Safety Jessie Bates III
CINCINNATI — ESPN's Matt Bowen gave out his top team fits for 2023 NFL free agents this week and attached Jessie Bates III to a division rival.
Bowen thinks Bates fits best with the Cleveland Browns.
"The Browns will need to do some work with the cap, but Bates upgrades a Cleveland defense that needs better play and more ball production at the safety position," Bowen wrote. "Bates has the post and split-field range to cover some grass, along with the scheme versatility to play from depth or spin down in coverage. He logged four interceptions and eight pass breakups last year in Cincinnati, and he has posted 14 career interceptions over five pro seasons. Bates, who played on the franchise tag last season, is in line for a long-term deal."
The safety is nearly a lock to leave Cincinnati. The only realistic path to a return is if the market doesn't come close to what he's looking for, which seems unlikely.
Fans surely don't want to see him stay in the same division though, let alone the same state. Spotrac projects Bates to sign a deal worth $14 million per year.
For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Get Your Bengals Tickets From SI Tickets HERE.
Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
You May Also Like:
A Look Ahead: Cincinnati Bengals Offseason Predictions
Zac Taylor: They're Gonna Have To Carry Me Out Of' Cincinnati 'In A Casket'
CBS Sports's Joel Corry Lists Joe Mixon As Top Cap Casualty Candidate This Offseason
Watch: Joe Burrow Begins Offseason Training Program
Complete List of Cincinnati Bengals' Picks in 2023 NFL Draft
ESPN's Field Yates Predicts Bengals Re-Sign Jessie Bates III
ESPN Analytics Ranks Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals Wide Receivers Outside Top Seven NFL Pass Catchers
Joe Burrow Tied At The Top Of 2023 NFL MVP Odds List
Report: Brian Callahan Eliminated From Colts Head Coaching Search
Salary Cap Expert Releases Proposed Contract Extension For Bengals Star WR Tee Higgins
Watch: Top-10 Bengals Plays From 2022-23 Season
Look: Joe Burrow Contract Proposal That Could Work For Him and Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase: Joe Burrow Will Do What it Takes For Bengals to Keep Weapons
Carlos Dunlap Pays Tribute To Former Teammate A.J. Green Upon Retirement
Tee Higgins Says He Wants to Stay With Bengals Long-Term
It's Official: Ken Riley is Headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
-----
Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!
Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals
