It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals will likely have a hard time retaining safety Jessie Bates in free agency.
Multiple reports have already suggested Bates is gone once free agency starts. And his appearance in a social media video with his agent and Atlanta Falcons stars fueled that narrative.
Now The Score’s Jordan Schultz has reported that Bates is “likely to land on another team” once the market opens.
Bates was always one of the logical focal points of the team shifting money from the defense to the offense. Cincinnati drafted Dax Hill in the first round last year and has made a point to work on Joe Burrow’s extension this offseason.
While Bates has said he wants to stay, the holdout last year after the franchise tag and the projected money he will make in free agency has always made it unlikely. The Bengals will presumably look to prevent losing both starting safeties in free agency, as also losing Vonn Bell would be a “dark day” in the words of coaches.
Sources: #Bengals safety Jessie Bates III is likely to land on another team this off-season, sources tell @theScore.
Bates, who just turned 26 and already has an All-Pro selection to his name, would be one of the most sought-after defensive players on the open market. pic.twitter.com/wnyEhpEoLw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2023
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