Lou Anarumo On Potentially Losing Vonn Bell And Jessie Bates III: 'Rather Not Think About That Dark Day'

Cincinnati has plenty of decisions to make on its own free agents.

CINCINNATI — Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo doesn't want to think about the "dark day" it would be if Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell left in free agency over the next few months.

Bates is much more likely to leave, but neither is guaranteed to be with the team next season.

"It would be huge," Anarumo said. "You know, leadership too. Vonn and Jesse, they do a lot of things that people don't see. You know, they organize meetings on their own. So yeah, I'd rather not think about that dark day."

Bates should have interest from multiple teams in free agency, including the Falcons and Browns. Spotrac projects Bates to command a $14 million average annual salary.

Bell's market won't be as expensive, but it could be just as robust given all of the intangibles he brings. On top of that, he just played arguably his best NFL season. Spotrac projects Bell to land a contract worth $9.7 million per year.

Cincinnati is entering the "good problem to have" territory every contender faces. 

We'll find out how many of those good problems end up becoming good players throughout this offseason.

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