Report: Cincinnati Bengals use franchise tag on star player

As they prepare to reload their roster following a Super Bowl appearance, the Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on one of their young stars. Safety Jessie Bates will not be allowed to enter free agency this offseason after being tagged, giving the Bengals more time to figure out a plan to sign him to a long-term contract.

Bengals place franchise tag on Jessie Bates

The Bengals have tagged star safety Jessie Bates,” read a simple report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Bates’s rookie contract expired following the 2021 NFL season, and his performance on the field will likely help him command a new contract worth as much as any safety in the league. By using the franchise tag on Bates, the Bengals don’t have to worry about replacing Bates this season and can focus their attention on other roster issues.

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.

Denver’s Justin Simmons is currently the highest salary earner at the position after signing a 4 year, $61 million contract with the Broncos. While Bates may not be able to reach that figure, it could serve as a baseline for his negotiations with the team.

The franchise tag requires the Bengals to offer him a one-year contract no less than the average of the top-five salaries at his position. If that figure is already in the $12 million range, it could be easier for the Bengals to offer him guarantees and contract length that would make him happy in the long run. Whatever they decide, the franchise tag gives them more time to figure out their plans.