Bengals receive bad news on Friday
Most already knew that Jessie Bates III and the Cincinnati Bengals weren't going to reach an agreement on a long-term deal before Friday's July 15 deadline. But what those didn't know was where things were going to go from there. Well, according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, Bates is not expected to report to training […]
Most already knew that Jessie Bates III and the Cincinnati Bengals weren't going to reach an agreement on a long-term deal before Friday's July 15 deadline. But what those didn't know was where things were going to go from there.
Well, according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, Bates is not expected to report to training camp and he isn't going to play under the franchise tag. Meaning, he could very well in fact sit out the 2022 season.
The issue between Bates and the Bengals is the way the Bengals do their contracts. They don't guarantee money past the first year of the deal, which is a big problem for players in general these days. PerNFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bengals' final offer only guaranteed $4 million more than what Bates will make if he signs the tag. And as Rapoport notes, the difference is one year compared to five. Meaning, Bates would only make $4 million more in 2022 and then the rest is up to the Bengals.
That's not really the definition of security and the NFL isn't known for the longevity/security of its employees's careers, so it's easy to see why Bates turned down the offer. And, in Bates' defense, Marcus Williams' deal with the Baltimore Ravens included $37 million in guaranteed money.
That's what one certainly calls a discrepancy.
If Bates does sit out the season, the Bengals can tag him again in 2023, even though that's unlikely to happen due to it being bad for business.
Regardless, it sounds like the Bengals will be without one of their best players for an indefinite amount of time.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
