I recently suggested that the Cincinnati Bengals should trade safety Jessie Bates and sign Tyrann Mathieu to replace him.

Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on Bates earlier this offseason. The Bengals have been hoping to extend Bates, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Contract talks between Bates and Cincy have been happening since last summer without much progress.

If Bates isn't going to be in Cincinnati long-term, then the Bengals might as well trade him and load up on some draft picks.

Especially since Bates is scheduled to earn just under $13 million on the franchise tag this season.

The Bengals could trade Bates, sign Mathieu, and actually create a small amount of cap space.

For much of the offseason, the assumption has been that Mathieu is looking for a deal that would pay him $15 million annually. But that's apparently not the case.

Mathieu told KansasCity.com this week that he wanted to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. And he said he would've taken the same deal they gave Justin Reid (Mathieu's replacement in KC).

“To be honest, if they would’ve offered me Justin Reid’s deal, obviously I would’ve tried to negotiate, but if that’s where they drew their line in the sand, I probably would’ve took it," said Mathieu this week. "I probably would’ve took it."

Reid signed a three-year deal worth $31 million with the Chiefs.

If Mathieu is willing to take $10 million a year, then the Bengals should be knocking his door down to sign him (and deal Bates).

Mathieu is a special player who brings elite leadership and toughness (and versatility) to any defense. He's a winner. And that's what the Bengals need on defense.

If Bates and Cincy could agree on an extension, this would be a moot point (keeping Bates would be ideal, but that doesn't appear likely at this point).

The Bengals need to make the best of their situation. Signing Mathieu, saving money, and getting draft capital for Bates would be a great resolution to the Bates drama.

Mathieu wants to play for a contender. And he loves Joe Burrow (they share an LSU connection, along with Ja'Marr Chase and La'el Collins). It's a perfect match.

Cincy has been making big moves this offseason, so maybe they'll jump into the Mathieu sweepstakes now that we know he's a bit cheaper than we previously thought.

Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports