08-09-2021, 03:54 PM
(08-09-2021, 03:45 PM)kevin Wrote: In last 7 days they said Bengals and Bates are eager to get a contract extension done before start of season. They know 24 year old Bates is best young Safety in NFL and probably best Defensive player on Bengals. At age 24, he is indeed part of The Future of building a good team around also young Joe Burrow. Bengals did sign Mixon and Hubbard to contract extensions, and Bates may take more money than either of them. Still, it is a move Bengals and Bates want to make. Bates wants to be a Bengal and Bengals want to keep the 2nd round draft pick that has turned into Team Leader and Star Player.
I'm hoping it gets done. The Bengals will not get out of Last Place by letting 24 year old Star Players leave. My word, he is not much older than college players, and already an NFL Star. Basic Common Sense demands signing him and avoiding Free Agency nonsense at end of year.
I'm sure it's a fait accompli and they're waiting for the right time to announce it. They want to make a big splash, Mikey-style. Monday before Week 1 ala Geno circa 2013 is what I'm expecting, so... September 6? Consider it done.
