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

[leonardfan40]

(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?

Bates is not as good as James. He’s probably neck and neck with Fitzpatrick. Bates has been BAD for 2 of the last 4 years. Not mediocre, not down years, but BAD. If he can’t be consistent he doesn’t deserve to be paid as a top level player.

I’ve said for a year now I’d give him in the $13-16 mil range. If he wants a penny over that (which I’m sure he could get on the open market if he plays well this season) he can go. I thought $15 mil might get it done before these new contracts rolled in, but you are right that will not happen after these recent signings. Bates will play out this year on the tag and if he plays well he’ll leave for $20mil/yr next offseason. Then probably have another shitty year the following season and his new teams fans will want him cut lol he plays one good season then one bad. He should be due for a good regular season this year.