Report: Cleveland Browns Expected To Pursue Bengals Safety Jessie Bates III In Free Agency

CINCINNATI — The Browns are moving on from safety John Johnson III and reportedly want to sign Jessie Bates as his replacement.

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports Cleveland will pursue "Bates if he’s not extended."

"The Browns are expected to pursue Bates if he’s not extended, franchised or traded to someone besides the Browns," Cabot wrote. "A 2020 second-team All-Pro, Bates would likely average more than $14 million a year in a new deal, but he’s the caliber of impact safety the Browns are seeking to replace Johnson. He had four interceptions in 2022, and in his five-year career with the Bengals, Bates has recorded 479 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 43 pass breakups, and 14 interceptions."

It would make a lot of sense for a Browns team that could use a lot more production and turnovers out of the safety position.

Bates is not expected to reset the market after Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. signed for roughly $19 million per season last year. Still, he's been a great player for Cincinnati and has earned the chance to get a big offer somewhere else.

We'll see if the Bengals stay involved in Bates's market at the start of free agency.

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