08-17-2022, 11:48 AM
(08-17-2022, 11:44 AM)ochocincos Wrote: Derwin James just signed a new deal with the Chargers - 4 years, $76 mill. $42 mill signing bonus.
James will average $19 mill in his new deal, just surpassing Minkah Fitzpatrick.
One can argue Bates has been better than both James and Fitzpatrick over these past 4 years, and could (should?) argue he deserves to be paid very close to what they got.
With yet another safety getting $18+ mill, do you see this as a sign that Bates will not get a new deal signed with the Bengals?
I guess one could argue it, but I wouldn't agree with that argument. Maybe Minkah, but not James. Regardless, Bates is probably eyeing something like this, yes. I haven't expected Bates to remain with Cincinnati for a while now and this strengthens that position for me.
