The End of Bates?

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-05-2022, 10:45 AM)NotBigzo Wrote: I'm on a Bengals Facebook group and someone mentioned that Bates took the Bengals off this Instagram bio. I checked and I can somewhat confirm (though it's possible that Bates never had the Bengals in his bio to begin with).

We already know Bates was frustrated with contract negotiations throughout the season and with players publicly advocating for him on twitter, i'm starting to think the negotiations have hit a stall. Bates is either asking for top safety $$$ or the Bengals simply don't value premium safeties.

As sad as it is to see Bates go, I wouldn't mind if the Bengals spent that money on a premium offensive guard, center, or tackle. Not like a Ryan Jensen either. I'm talking locking down a young offensive lineman with productive stats for 3+ years.

We'd definitely miss Bates in the backfield, but if it leads to keeping our franchise QB upright and healthy for years to come I can tolerate it.

You will likely (and I'm guessing already have) be killed for making this an "Either/Or" situation.  They should be able to do both.  

We have no idea what has been offered, or how it was structured.

Here are some things I DO know:

Bates was below average for much of the season, apparently due to a lack of focus (his explanation) from not having a contract done.

Bates was the highest rated defensive player on the Bengals in the playoffs.

The Bengals have almost always paid their own guys when it came to top performers due for a 2nd contract.  When Zeitler got an absurd $12 million per year at Cleveland (when he got it, it was insane money), I was OK with letting him go.  

The odds of the Bengals getting a long term deal done AFTER a year on the tag is around 19%.  That is based on the last 10 times the Bengals used the tag.  Many times, it made sense to let them go.  A couple times, it didn't.  Bates may not like the tag, but I can imagine he turned down something around $13-14 million a year over four years because Seattle blew the safety market by ridiculously overpaying their guy.  BTW, how did that work out so far? 

They can STILL get a contract done this year.  The tag can just be used to make sure he doesn't test the market and he will be unable to negotiate with other teams.  Do I think it happens?  No, because his agent has a super ego and will advise Jesse to hold out for more.  He will advise him again next year to do the same.  Jesse needs to realize the agent works for HIM.  He should sign the four year deal and have the opportunity to get ANOTHER bite of the apple in four years when he is just 29. 

Do I think it will happen?  No.  Do I think his agent is working in his best interests?  Absolutely not.  The agent gets a big check with EVERY contract Bates signs.  He signs two in two years, more money for the agent than if he signs one.  Stupid.  Jesse, get this done.  You have the team, the guys around you, the coaches, etc...it is all here.  Take the contract and run.