Why a Bengals fan favorite is poised to be a massive villain in 2023
A Cincinnati Bengals fan favorite is poised to be a villain in 2023.
One of the Cincinnati Bengals' biggest fan favorites from the last couple of seasons could morph into a villain this offseason.
Most Bengals fans have accepted that safety Jessie Bates likely won't be back in Cincinnati in 2023.
Bates has long desired a longterm contract — something the Bengals aren't positioned to offer him (at least not as lucrative of a deal as Bates wants).
The former Wake Forest star shouldn't have any problems finding a team willing to give him a big deal.
Cincy fans are just hoping that Bates doesn't sign with another AFC North team. It would undoubtedly be tough to go against Bates in multiple divisional games each season.
Unfortunately for Bengals fans, that might be exactly what happens.
Cleveland.com's Mark Kay Cabot reported over the weekend that Bates would love to play with Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns.
"Bengals safety Jessie Bates III, a 2020 second-team All-Pro, would love to play with Watson if he hits the market, a league source says," wrote Cabot.
The Browns are expected to release safety John Johnson III, which would create an opening for Bates. According to Cabot, Bates is "on the Browns' radar".
It's possible that Bates could be too expensive for Cleveland. We'll just have to see how his market plays out. But one thing is certain after seeing Cabot's report — Bates won't be ruling out playing for one of the Bengals' biggest rivals. He's going to go to the highest bidder. And that could mean he's a villain in 2023.
