08-27-2021, 04:08 PM
(08-27-2021, 03:46 PM)GreenCornBengal Wrote: I tend to believe it because what other motivations do the Bengals have to not start low and work their way up, other than hurting a guys feelings… as we know “it’s a business” is a common phrase in football… I don’t think Bates is a little wuss, so I don’t think he’s going to be all emotional about business transactions taking place behind the scenes while he works.
The Bengals may have hurt themselves by marketing him as the best safety in the league and the face of the "new" Bengals (at least on defense). Bates may think they will pay more than they actually will.
When it comes to re-working an existing contract the team is not really under a ton of pressure to get it done. They have him this year no matter what. If the Bengals offer him a contract for $15 million a year and he turns it down he will lose over $12 million dollars. No matter how much he gets on his next long-term deal I doubt he makes up the the $12 million. Then, of course, there is always the possibility he could suffer a terrible injury this year.
I think the team should pay Bates well. I don't see his play regressing as long as he stays healthy. But he has to understand that the Bengals don't have to tear up his old contract. They need to find a dollar amount where both sides are happy.
