08-19-2021, 11:59 AM
If I'm the Bengals, I want to see Bates put together another elite season before I pay him elite money. I love JBIII and DO feel he has earned a new contract, but if he's looking for Justin Simmons money I want to see Ed Reed-type play week-in and week-out. I want to see opposing QBs and OC's sweat knowing he's back there waiting to pounce on even the slightest mistake. That makes the big bucks. Now, if he's looking for 8-10 million per with some doable guarantees and bonuses, pay him NOW! The Franchise Tag is a nice tool to have in the back pocket, but I'd only use it as a last resort. I'd prefer to get him locked up, you never know if we'll need to use that tag on someone else (not sure if we have anyone worthy, maybe one of our 1-year signees plays light-out and we can't come to terms on a longer deal..Reiff? Larry O?)
