Jessie Bates III eying move to AFC North rival?
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III is likely heading to free agency and he seemingly has hopes of sticking around in the AFC North.
Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot wrote that Bates "would love to play with (Deshaun) Watson."
If both sides are interested, which seems very likely, Cleveland will need to make a couple of other moves first. The Browns are estimated to be $17.1 million over the cap, per Spotrac.
Bates III is projected to receive a four-year, $56.26 million contract as he ranks as NFL.com's No. 9 free agent of 2023.
The 26-year-old had a career-high four interceptions in 2022 along with 71 tackles, eight passes defensed and a forced fumble.
The Browns need to make a splash move this offseason after finishing 7-10 last season and they aren't scheduled to make their first pick until No. 42 in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. So with a lack of draft capital, free agency is their best option do to so.
Watson's contract does complicate things, but if the team can find a way to land Bates III, things will certainly be looking up in Cleveland in 2023.
More must-reads: