Cincinnati Bengals make franchise tag decision, per report
We're just a little over a day away from the NFL's deadline to use the franchise/transition tag. So, it won't be surprising when teams start announcing their decisions on who they want to tag. Monday morning started with the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to tag left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and then came Cleveland Brown's […]
We're just a little over a day away from the NFL's deadline to use the franchise/transition tag. So, it won't be surprising when teams start announcing their decisions on who they want to tag.
Monday morning started with the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to tag left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and then came Cleveland Brown's decision to tag tight end David Njoku.
Now, the Cincinnati Bengals have decided to tag Jessie Bates III.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport broke the news Monday afternoon.
The Bengals' decision to tag Bates makes sense. For starters, they have the necessary cap room to take the hit. This comes in handy in case there's a chance for both sides to work out a deal before the July 15 deadline. The Bengals' tag also prevents Bates from hitting free agency, where he could possibly find a better suitor.
Bates was the 54th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has appeared and started 63 of 65 possible games over the course of his career. He has 408 total tackles, 10 interceptions, 35 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown over the course of his career.
Bates' 10 interceptions are tied for the 11th-most amongst safeties since 2018. Per Overthcap.com, he will make $13.544 million in 2022 unless he and the Bengals work out a long-term deal.
Featured image via-Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
