ESPN analyst makes prediction for Bengals that would be the surprise of the NFL offseason
ESPN analyst Field Yates made a prediction for the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday that would be one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 NFL offseason. After the Bengals were eliminated from the playoffs via their 23-20 loss to Kansas City Chiefs, Yates and several other ESPN writers/analysts made numerous offseason predictions for Cincinnati (as […]
ESPN analyst Field Yates made a prediction for the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday that would be one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 NFL offseason.
After the Bengals were eliminated from the playoffs via their 23-20 loss to Kansas City Chiefs, Yates and several other ESPN writers/analysts made numerous offseason predictions for Cincinnati (as well as other eliminated NFL teams).
Yates' prediction for the Bengals is that the team will find a way to bring safety Jessie Bates back to Cincinnati in 2023.
Yes. The Bengals are about to enter "good problem to have" territory, as the bill comes due as soon as this offseason with extensions for Burrow and Higgins. Ja'Marr Chase is extension-eligible in 2024, and planning has to start now. But Bates has made far too many plays during his tenure for the Bengals to let him go, including five picks over the past three seasons. It'll cost a deal near the top of the market for safeties to keep him, though.
I'm sure Cincinnati would love to have Bates back in 2023. And I'm sure fans would love it, too. He's a key team leader that won't be easy to replace.
But it's hard to see him returning after playing on the franchise tag in 2022.
Bates and the Bengals worked the last two offseasons trying to find common ground on an extension. But they were never able to work out a deal. And after this last attempt, it seems extremely unlikely they'll be able to work out a deal this offseason — especially with Joe Burrow's looming extension (Ja'Marr Chase will be eligible for an extension after the 2023 season).
It's clear that Bates has a lot of love for Cincinnati. And despite holding out during training camp in protest of the franchise tag, he was all-in all season for the Bengals. You would've never known there was a contract dispute last summer.
But don't expect Bates to give the Bengals a discount (nor should he). Bates earned just over $6.7 million during his first four years in the league — an absolute bargain. His earnings increased significantly this past season while playing on the franchise tag ($12.9 million), but he's still looking for a big payday. This will almost certainly be the biggest contract that Bates will sign in his career. And he'll be rightfully looking to maximize his earnings.
I'm sure the Bengals will engage in contract talks with Bates this offseason, but I'd be shocked if they make any progress toward a deal. I fully expect the former Wake Forest standout to hit the open market later this spring.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
