After failing to reach a long-term extension with star safety Jessie Bates , the Cincinnati Bengals resorted to the franchise tag. Still without a new contract for Bates, it appears that Cincinnati will not utilize the franchise tag two years in a row to keep the safety off the open market, according to Tyler Dragon of USA Today.
Following their application of the tag last year, the two parties continued to try and work towards a long-term extension. The process continued for months with Bates not attending camps even after the passing of the extension deadline. Bates finally signed his tag and rejoined the team before the Bengals’ final preseason game.
Once again, the two sides are having trouble finding their way towards common ground in a long-term agreement. The team has the option, once again, to franchise tag Bates, but due to his tag last year, the cost is higher than a regular franchise tag for a safety this year, costing the Bengals $15.5MM for another season. With Cincinnati opting not to choose that option, the two sides will have until March 15th to work out a new contract.
Bates would likely be a hot commodity as the top safety on the board. He’s already been linked to the Browns, who are parting with a safety of their own. Without a new contract, Bates will be competing with Jordan Poyer for the top money in the open market. Poyer has more experience, but Bates has the advantage of youth.
Regardless, it’s likely a bit of a weight off of the Bengals’ shoulders heading into the new league year. Sure, there is pressure to figure out a new deal in the next week and a half, but there is the relief of knowing that that pressure will not extend through to the start of next season.
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