Joe Burrow advocates for Jessie Bates amid contract dispute

Joe Burrow is in the corner of Jessie Bates as he hopes for a new contract from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Perhaps there’s no better player to publicly support you in your search for financial gain than the face of the franchise. In a meeting with the media on Tuesday, the former LSU star spoke about how vital Bates is to what the Bengals are attempting to build.

A big public endorsement from the face of the franchise is all that was missing from the Jessie Bates saga and it seems like we now have it. pic.twitter.com/18JDcXtztY

— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) June 14, 2022

“Jessie’s a big part of this team,” started Burrow. “You can put a price-tag on what he does on the field, but I don’t think you can on what he does in the locker room. He’s been a guy that’s kind of built what we’re doing here. He was one of the first. Jessie’s exactly the kind of player that I think you want to reward for the work that he’s done for the last four years, through the ups and the downs. You know, we weren’t very good for three years while he was here. He’s been through it all.

“We’re hoping that everything works out in his favor. I know that he’s working very hard right now in the weight room. He’s looking great, he’s going to be ready to go whenever he gets here. Business is business. He’s got to take care of what he has to take care of, but I know when it’s time to show up he’s going to be ready to go.”

Moreover, Bates was part of the Bengals’ incredible Super Bowl run last season, and recorded an interception of Matthew Stafford in the end zone during the final game. Entering his fifth year in the NFL, Bates has already earned All-Pro Second Team honors for his 2020 season. Bates’ next contract could be on par or ahead of the rest of the league for safeties, as the top five contracts for his position are all over $10 million per year. However, he’s on the franchise tag, for now.

Continuing, Burrow spoke about what Bates brings to the table in terms of leadership.

“He’s one of those guys that you talk about being able to hangout with anybody on the team, sit down at any lunch table,” answered Burrow. “He’s one of those kind of guys, that can have a conversation with anybody on the team and make them feel welcome.

“I think those guys are invaluable to a program and an organization that’s trying to achieve what we’re trying to achieve.”

Afterwards, Joe Burrow revealed he and Jessie Bates will be taking a trip to Las Vegas in the coming weeks. Bates could make some serious dough in Sin City, but the star defensive back will be hoping for an influx of money from Cincinnati in the meantime.