What to do with Bates

[jj22]

I think we tag him and then let him walk. I can't see letting him walk this offseason and opening up a hole at the FS position. I also think a youth movement is coming on the defense since we have so many outside free agents signed already. The way the front office has been the last couple offseasons it's possible they'll sign a top FS to replace him (within reason, I still can't see MB paying a safety, CB money). That makes it hard for me to think they'll let him walk just to sign another FS for big money. We'll attack the secondary in the draft, and hope to have a replacement option after 2022.