Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, Germaine Pratt Land On ESPN's Top Free Agent List

Cincinnati likely won't keep all three going forward.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Feb 2, 2023 9:30 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN'S Matt Bowen released his top 50 NFL free agent list, and three Bengals players cracked the list.

Safety Jessie Bates III paced the group at No. 10 on the list.

"With post and split-field range over the top and a history of creating on-the-ball production (14 career picks), Bates is an easy fit as a versatile defender in both single-high and two-deep schemes," Bowen wrote. "He had four interceptions, eight pass breakups, and 38 solo tackles this season. He allowed 15 catches on 30 targets for 243 yards, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, ranking third in the league among safeties who played at least 250 coverage snaps. Bates, who played on the franchise tag, will be coveted if he hits free agency."

Bates wants to stay in Cincinnati, but he's already turned down a long-term deal from the Bengals, and it's unlikely Bates gets the guaranteed money he wants in the Queen City.

Fellow safety Vonn Bell landed further down the list at No. 45.

"Bell has the ability to match up against tight ends, and he plays with a physical demeanor in the box," Bowen wrote. "He's a dependable and tough veteran safety who can play top-down from split-field alignments and make plays on the ball. Bell intercepted a career-high four passes and added eight pass breakups this season. On nearly 500 coverage snaps, he didn't allow any touchdowns as the nearest defender in coverage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats."

Linebacker Germaine Pratt was the final selection at No. 50.

"Pratt has the movement skills to play on the outside in a 40 front, can track the ball from the second level in the run game, and creates coverage disruption as a three-down defender," Bowen wrote. "He has logged over 90 total tackles in each of his past two seasons while posting two interceptions and 10 pass breakups in 2022."

Cincinnati will likely only keep one of these players as it prepares to extend Joe Burrow's contract.

The next era of Bengals football is about to look a little different following consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances.

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