The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to build on one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, but there was a major question over whether star safety Jessie Bates was going to be alongside as they bid for a another Super Bowl run. Much to his chagrin, the club opted to use the franchise tag on Bates earlier this offseason. Without a guaranteed long-term deal, Bates had spent the majority of his offseason away from the organization. So far.
As first reported by Kelsey Conway of Cincinnati Applicant, Bates reported at the team facility on Tuesday, ending his resistance. The 25 year old did not sign his franchise tag he also did not show up at the start of training camp on July 25 after the two sides were unable to agree on an extension. Now that he’s officially signed his fully guaranteed $12.9 million contract for the 2022 season, Bates can join his teammates on the training ground.
The Bengals brass had hoped that would be the outcome with Bates as he was a key part in their Super Bowl appearance a year ago. In the playoffs, Bates totaled two interceptions, allowed opposing quarterbacks to combine for a 35.6 passer rating, and opposing receivers hit just 36.4 percent of their targets against him. With those numbers in mind, he’s a major pillar of the Cincinnati defense who is now back in the fold at a pivotal time in the summer.
This week, the Bengals are hosting joint workouts with the Los Angeles Rams, which serve as a dress rehearsal for the starters ahead of the regular season. Having Bates on the court during this time will definitely help get him back up to speed and ready to roll by Week 1.
Bates has spent his entire NFL career with the Bengals up to this point after the club drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft at Wake Forest. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 and went on to become one of the top safeties in the league. In 63 career regular season games, Bates had 10 interceptions, 35 pass breakups and 408 tackles.
