The NFL season is coming up quickly and teams are making decisions on extensions for their players before the season begins. Jamal Adams is one player still up in the air. However, the Cincinnati Bengals were hoping to lock up stud defensive back Jessie Bates.
Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case, and the two sides are apparently not that close to an extension, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The #Bengals and safety Jesse Bates III are not expected to reach a contract extension at this time, per source. Sides not progressing toward a deal. Bates, a 2022 free agent, is a major player coming off three interceptions, 15 pass breakups a year ago.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 10, 2021
Bates should have plenty of suitors if he hits free agency, and the Bengals would be wise to lock him up before he has a chance to hit the open market.
The Bengals might be waiting because they are anticipating giving Joe Burrow a lengthy, possibly massive extension whenever the time comes, but to not at least make a deal with Bates is a big surprise.
The former second-round pick out of Wake Forest has played well for the Bengals in his three years and has suited up for every single game since coming to the league. Players such as Bates don't pop up too often, and perhaps the Bengals circle back and try and rekindle an extension at some point.
For now, no extension seems imminent, and hopefully that changes for both sides.
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