We now have some of Jessie Bates’ side of the story when it comes to his potential extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Earlier, a report suggested Bates and the Bengals aren’t close on an extension and won’t reach one before the season.
Bates himself commented on the situation during an interview with Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham for the team’s official website and said the following: “I guess I haven’t done enough yet to be considered one of the top safeties in this league, which is fine.”
While he did go on to say it doesn’t change anything and he’ll keep working toward being considered one of the league’s best…it’s not the greatest sign of how things are going behind the scenes.
It’s a little surprising the Bengals even put Bates in front of this sort of mic on the team’s official platform. Comments like these are usually just public posturing during negotiations (so is the linked report above).
But if Bates feels like he’s not being valued as one of the NFL’s best at his position, there’s a chance the numbers just aren’t where he wants them to be right now. He’s not the only star safety slow to get a new deal right now — Jamal Adams in Seattle is currently holding out and wants to reset the market, too.
Jessie Bates III joins Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham for today's Training Camp Report pres. by @MedMutual. https://t.co/G1FwSuvFVG
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 12, 2021
