It might not have been a coincidence when Bengals safety Jessie Bates appeared in time for joint workouts with the Rams despite having the option to extend his strike for another two weeks. The start of his contract year in Cincinnati gave the L.A. coaches another opportunity to observe him in action.
This year, every week will serve as an audition for Bates, who will unwillingly enter the open market in 2023. The Bengals generally use the tag just once before letting the guy go. To tag Bates again, the Bengals would have to spend $15.49 million, or $12.91 million, in 2022. They have already selected Dax Hill, who will be his eventual replacement, with a first-round choice.
Bates said he doesn't know why he and the Bengals couldn't reach a long-term agreement before the deadline of 15 July Wednesday. There is an easy solution. The Bengals would have fully guaranteed the initial two years of a multi-season contract. (In veteran contracts, only quarterbacks receive that.) That made it simple for him to sign a deal with full guarantees in 2022 and wait for a hefty open-market payment in March.
Yes, he must maintain his health. Yes, he must do well. Bates will be one of the players who receive a huge contract on the first day of free agency, though, if he ticks both boxes.
Every other team is aware of it as well. They'll be keeping a close eye on him. They'll be choosing whether or not to go after him. Before or after games, he might hear certain things from players on opposing teams and possibly from coaches.
In any case, he's in a great position. He also entered the market after five seasons because he wasn't selected in the first round. The Bengals simply could not and would not provide him with a contract that secures his future, not with Joe Burrow on the roster, and Ja'Marr Chase set to arrive a year later.
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