Why the **** is Jessie Bates not signed yet?

[*ochocincos*]

(07-28-2022, 01:12 PM)Stewy Wrote: While very true, and thanks for reminding us all, the team still has rights as defined by the CBA.  They have exercised those rights and control his near term future.  His teammates are making all the right noises about wanting and expecting Bates to be "here".  So while you are "lawyerly" correct as usual, the expectations of the Bengals and Bates teammates is not so black and white, as most things usually are not.

Bottom Line is, Bates is not beholden to the Bengals through a signed contract, but he is via his membership in the NFLPA and the CBA agreed upon by both parties, and the Bengals exercising their rights under the agreement.  He plays for the Bengals or he doesn't play at all this year because the Bengals WILL NOT cut him.

Bates situation is very much like a draft pick who hasn't/won't sign the contract.
Technically not an employee yet despite the team having exclusivity rights to that player's services this year.
Until the contract (tag) is signed, not under contract and thus doesn't make sense to report to camp.