ESPN's Bill Barnwell Says Signing Jessie Bates III Should Be Bengals First Key Offseason Move
CINCINNATI — ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell revealed his first key move for each NFL team this offseason. His pick for the Bengals might surprise some people: Re-sign Jessie Bates III.
The safety has been chummy with Atlanta Falcons players this offseason and couldn't come to a long-term agreement in Cincinnati. Yet, Barnwell thinks the Bengals should pay Bates "$17 million" per year to keep him around.
"Cincinnati paid Bates a $12.9 million franchise tag in 2022 and would owe $15.5 million for a second tag this offseason," Barnwell wrote. "The top of the safety market is Derwin James Jr.'s deal, which is a little more than $19 million per season, but I don't think Bates would see that on the open market. A middle ground of $17 million per season seems good enough to get a deal done for both parties, but the Bengals might prefer to let him leave and use the savings to keep two or three lesser players instead."
The safety's versatility has been crucial in Lou Anarumo's multiple defensive looks. He posted a career-high 4 interceptions this past season.
"One player to prioritize, though, is Cincinnati's most impressive star on the defensive side of the ball," Barnwell said about the Bengals' upcoming extensions. "Bates is the heartbeat of the defense and excels as a communicator and post defender. For a team that loves to disguise coverages and change game plans more than most other defenses from week to week, Bates is essential."
Even at the $17 million discount, Bates feels too expensive to keep in the fold with so many other positions still needing attention. He's certainly earned that new deal if the Bengals do end up shocking the world and paying him.
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