The End of Bates?

[Bengalstripes9]

I'm kind of torn on this one. I really wanted us to sign him before the season.

He had a rocky season, but really seemed to show up when it mattered most in the post season. His play in the post season was great--and was a huge reason we made it as far as we did.

That said, our offense would be unstoppable if we had a legit offensive line. If he wants to be the highest paid safety in the league, I'm not so sure he's worth that. I mean it sucks to lose a great player like him, but if they can actually fix the offensive line with the money they save than that is more valuable in my opinion.

I'm guessing we either tag him or let him walk--and I'm okay with both options to be honest. I may be leaning a little more towards letting him get paid and spending that money on the oline though. If it weren't such a big need I'd definitely be all for locking him up or tagging him. But I don't think our defense drops off that much by losing him.