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

[Stewy]

(07-27-2022, 11:14 AM)fredtoast Wrote: I think it bears repeating that this is different from a player who is under contract holding out. Bates has fulfilled his obligation under his contract with the Bengals. 

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.