03-05-2022, 03:12 PM
(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.
This is Bates livelihood. Bates last opportunity to sign a big contract. As much as I want him to stay I will not be mad at him for leaving. It is more of this is what we can afford compare to what he can get on the open market. Tough decisions like this are hard to make but they have to be made.
