Jessie Bates

[*SHRacerX*]

(10-08-2020, 01:14 AM)Bengal Dude Wrote: Gotta remember that Bates came out as a redshirt sophomore from Wake Forest. One of his biggest knocks was his tackling. It will probably get better, but you also shouldn't be depending on your safety to make a bunch of tackles. 

This is Bates third season and he's up for an extension after this season. The Bengals will need to start negotiating and prepare themselves to dish out some big bucks for Bates.

Here's the top 10 safety salaries for 2020:

• 1. Cardinals safety Budda Baker: $14.75 million
• 2. Bears safety Eddie Jackson: $14.6 million
• 3. Titans safety Kevin Byard: $14.1 million
• 4. Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu: $14 million
• 4. Redskins safety Landon Collins: $14 million
• 6. Patriots safety Devin McCourty: $11.5 million
• 7. Broncos safety Justin Simmons: $11.4 million
• 7. Vikings safety Anthony Harris: $11.4 million
• 9. Broncos safety Kareem Jackson: $11 million
• 10. Raiders safety LaMarcus Joyner: $10.5 million
  

Something will have to give between WJIII, Waynes, and Phillips (who has quietly been a real find).  I don't think you can afford to pay WJIII more than you did Waynes, and he will deserve it.  Securing Bates will be vital.  At least we know we won't be spending money on Green or Ross.