Why the Bengals' offseason just got a lot more difficult
The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason got a lot more difficult on Wednesday. Actually, their 2023 offseason got more difficult, too. That's because the Los Angeles Chargers signed safety Derwin James to a mega-extension that makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. The Bengals are currently […]
The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason got a lot more difficult on Wednesday.
Actually, their 2023 offseason got more difficult, too.
That's because the Los Angeles Chargers signed safety Derwin James to a mega-extension that makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this.
The Bengals are currently in a bit of a mess with safety Jessie Bates.
Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on Bates earlier this offseason, but he's yet to sign it as he's looking for a new contract (because of the franchise tag, he can't negotiate a new deal until next offseason).
It seemed unlikely before the James deal that Bates would be back with the Bengals next season. It seems even more unlikely now.
Bates, who has the same agent as James, took to Instagram to congratulate his fellow safety on the new deal.
"Congrats Derwin James," wrote Bates, who also included the hashtags "Earned Not Given" and "Family Ties."
Do we really think that Bates is going to give the Bengals a discount after his agent got James a massive deal?
No chance.
Bates will likely end his holdout later this month, begrudgingly sign his franchise tag, and play this season.
Then the Bengals will go through all of this again next offseason. Except the likely scenario is that Cincinnati tags Bates again and then trades him — that way they at least get something out of the star safety.
Unfortunately for Cincinnati, they won't have much leverage next offseason. Everyone knows the Bengals aren't going to pay him and everyone knows Bates will hold out again. This time, he might actually take his holdout into the season if Cincy doesn't trade him or pay him (since he'll be coming off a nearly $13 million payday this season).
As a result, Bengals fans probably shouldn't expect a huge return for Bates next spring.
It's a tough spot for the Bengals, but if they plan to keep Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase in Cincinnati long-term, it's probably the right decision.
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
