Tag Window Open - Bates Tagged

[*ochocincos*]

(02-25-2022, 12:41 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: I wish we had some realistic idea what Bates and his agent are wanting. Are they pushing for an Adams level (or more) type deal, or is he willing to take a Baker range deal? That makes a huge difference in terms of getting a new deal done. 

Reality is Bates is right there with both Adams and Baker in terms of production.
Bates is a better coverage safety than both Adams and Baker, putting up more PDs and INTs than either guy the past 4 years.
Adams and Baker actually attack the LOS more though, so they get more tackles, sacks, and TFLs.
Bates could probably make an argument that he would too if he were used like that.

Baker signed a 4-year, $59 mill deal. $14.75 mill APY
Adams signed a 4-year, $70 mill deal. $17.5 mill APY

At the end of the day, I see Bates being justifiably in the $15-17 mill range.
So it's probably in the Bengals' best interest to tag him this year ($12.9 mill) to save a bit of $$.