Bengals' Bates has 'no intentions' of playing on franchise tag

Would Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III sit out the entire 2022 season over a franchise tag dispute? Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bengals' Jessie Bates has 'no intentions' of reporting to training camp or playing on franchise tag

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/15/22

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates helped the team reach its first Super Bowl in 33 years over the winter, leading the defense in solo tackles during the regular season with 67 while adding six passes defensed and two interceptions in the playoffs as well. Similar to Orlando Brown of the Kansas City Chiefs and Dalton Schultz of the Dallas Cowboys, however, as a franchise-tagged player, Bates is facing a 4:00 p.m. ET deadline on Friday to come to an agreement with his team on a long-term contract.

According to Josina Anderson, the situation with Bates and Cincinnati is bleak.

I'm told #Bengals S Jessie Bates has no intentions of reporting to training camp, nor playing on the franchise tag, per league source.

The two sides are currently unable to come to terms on an extension on today's deadline for long-term deals for players designated with the tag.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 15, 2022

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport had further financial details on the matter.

A total of $4 million. Not $4 million per year. https://t.co/Mcgne13x7J
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2022

In four seasons with the Bengals since being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Bates has collected 408 combined tackles, 35 passes defensed and interceptions over 63 regular-season games.

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