Raiders Free Agent Targets: Jessie Bates III

As the Las Vegas Raiders continue to evaluate ways to improve their defense ahead of the new league year starting next month, one area they can improve is the secondary.

When building an elite defense, it’s most important to build up front in the trenches first. This includes the interior of the defensive line as well as on the edge. Adding elite players in the secondary, however, can change the entire dynamic of a defense.

That’s exactly what Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III is. He is rangy, smart, and can play all over the defensive backfield. Bates was a major catalyst in the Bengals’ defensive turnaround in the last two seasons.

The Raiders have a young up-and-coming safety in Tre’von Moehrig, but he will need some help next to him if he wants to thrive in his role and if the Raiders want to improve as a defense in total.

Bates can immediately become a mentor to Moehrig and can be an extension of a coach on the field.

Look closer at Bates to see if he fits in with the Silver and Black.

Bates was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest. He earned playing time immediately, starting all 16 games in his rookie season. Bates would become a fixture of the Bengals’ defense from then on.

In his career with the Bengals, Bates has posted 479 total tackles, six tackles for losses, 43 pass breakups and 14 interceptions. He should be one of the most attractive players on the free agent market and is expected to command a lot of money.

There are many attractive elements of Bates’ game, one being his positional versatility. He’s a free safety by trade but can play either safety spot, in the nickel, deep in the backfield, or up close on the line of scrimmage. He can change the look of any defense and can adapt to any system.

The other aspect of Bates’ game that should earn him a big contract is his availability. He has missed only three games in his five-year career and is only 25 years old. He is one of the best players in his position and is one of the better overall defensive players in this league.

If General Manager Dave Ziegler wants to make a big splash by signing top players in in free agency, Jessie Bates III would be a great addition to the defense and could shore up many problems that plagued the Raiders last season.

The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During that time, starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m EDT on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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