Bates Overrated?

[*ochocincos*]

(03-01-2023, 02:49 PM)jj22 Wrote: For those thinking Higgins can control his agent...

From Bates in the above linked article.....

"“I’ve been drafted here. I became a man here,” Bates said after the Bengals’ AFC championship loss to the Chiefs. “I’d love to be here, but that’s out of my control. Whatever happens at the end of the day, I can say I love my brothers like no other. I played my heart out like no other. And that’s all you can really control, at the end of the day."

Sounds like he couldn't just tell his agent he'd accept an offer that only guarantees the first year... Unless you think the Bengals didn't even try to extend him the last 2 years. Ideally athletes should be able to dictate to their agent, but athletes pay agents for a reason, and tend to let them do their job.

I don't agree with your interpretation of the quote.

I believe the quote is missing a key phrase..."I'd love to be here *at a fair price*"
Bates isn't going to take a gigantic pay cut just to stay with the team.
If the difference of a few mill, sure that's fair.
But if the Bengals hardline at something like "no more than $8 mill" and Bates feels he deserves at minimum $12 mill, then it won't get done.
And Bates can't control what the Bengals will offer him.

That's my interpretation of that quote, at least.