Predictions For Top Bengals Free Agents, Including Jessie Bates, Hayden Hurst and Germaine Pratt

Will Cincinnati keep any of their top free agents?

Author:
James Rapien
Updated:
Mar 11, 2023 2:24 PM EST
Original:
Mar 11, 2023

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The legal tampering period begins on Monday at Noon, which means some of the Bengals' best players could be playing for new teams in their near future.

Which guys will stay and which ones will go? Here are our predictions for all of the Bengals' top free agents:

Jessie Bates — Odds of Re-Signing: Less Than 1%

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates after intercepting a pass from Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals improved to 9-4 with a 23-10 win over the Browns. Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 14 — Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bates has been a huge part of this defense, but after failing to reach an agreement on an extension with the Bengals for the past two offseasons, his departure seems inevitable.

The Browns and Falcons are two obvious suitors. The Patriots are another team rumored to have interest in the 26-year-old.

Bates is looking for a contract similar to the 4-year, $74 million deal Minkah Fitzpatrick received from the Steelers last season.

Germaine Pratt — Odds of Re-Signing: 10%

There's a chance Pratt's market isn't as hot as some expect, but that's the only way he'll return to Cincinnati.

The Bengals are hoping to sign Logan Wilson to a long-term extension this offseason. They believe in Akeem Davis-Gaither, Markus Bailey and Joe Bachie. They'd love to have Pratt back, but not if it keeps them from extending Wilson.

Throw in Pratt's comments about playing on third down and it's easy to see why his departure feels inevitable.

Vonn Bell — Odds of Re-Signing: 75%

Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell (24) recovers a fumble in the first quarter during an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Cincinnati Bengals At Buffalo Bills Afc Divisional Jan 22 0249 — © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bengals are hoping to keep Bell. The 28-year-old started every game last season, finishing with 77 tackles, eight passes defensed, four interception and one sack.

Bell is a captain and a leader in the locker room. It would be nice to have a proven veteran on the back end with Dax Hill expected to take over for Bates as the starting free safety.

There's a chance a team aggressively pursues Bell and gives him a contract the Bengals won't match, but they're hoping to sign him to a multi-year deal over the next few days.

Hayden Hurst — Odds of Re-Signing: 50%

Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst (88) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports — Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Hurst had a solid first season in Cincinnati, hauling in 52 receptions for 404 yards and two touchdowns.

The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Bengals in hopes of re-establishing his value and earning a long-term contract this offseason. He wants to be back in Cincinnati, but the Bengals aren't going to break the bank for a soon-to-be 30-year-old. Throw in the fact that there are plenty of tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft and Hurst's future is officially up in the air.

There's certainly a scenario where he returns to the Bengals on a reasonable two-year contract. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Hurst may get more than that in free agency. C.J. Uzomah signed a 3-year, $24 million contract with the Jets last offseason. It wouldn't be shocking if Hurst received a similar deal.

Samaje Perine — Odds of Re-Signing: 80%

Perine ran for 394 yards and two scores in 2022. He also had 38 receptions, 287 yards and four touchdowns.

Joe Mixon's future is in question. The Bengals like the stability Perine brings to the backfield. He's a quality pass blocker and is a perfect veteran to have on the roster, especially if the Bengals draft another running back.

Eli Apple — Odds of Re-Signing: 40%

Apple's return is purely based on his market. If the Bengals can bring him back on a similar deal they sign him to last season (one-year, $4 million), then there's a real chance he returns in 2023.

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