The tigers put their paw on their free safety.
He had announced his preference for a contract extension, but in the end Jessie Bates will know the franchise tag. According to ESPN Cincinnati has decided to exercise its option in order to keep the talented safety.
Bates had announced his desire to remain a Bengal, and had made no secret of his intention to become one of the highest paid players in his position. For safeties, the tag will amount to $13.5 million this year. This amount will apply and will be totally guaranteed if the two camps do not agree before July 15th.
Selected in the second round of the 2018 draft, Bates immediately found a high volume of play with the Tigers to become one of the defensive faces of the club. Leader and decisive, he created a name and a reputation. Cincinnati couldn’t let him go.
With the Bengals Bates had 408 tackles, 35 passes defended, 10 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles for 2 covered.
Per source, Bengals used the franchise tag on safety Jessie Bates.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 7, 2022
