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Report: Bengals Safety Jessie Bates III is Not Interested in Playing Under Franchise Tag

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Jessie Bates

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III reportedly has “no intentions” of playing the 2022 season under the franchise tag, according to USA Today.

While the Bengals placed the franchise tag designation on Bates back in March, the star safety still has not signed the deal and more than likely won’t.

According to USA Today’s Tyler Dragon, the Bengals and Bates had been discussing a long-term extension for sometime, but negotiations have since stalled. Bates has previously voiced his interest in continuing his career in Cincinnati.

Bates is not expected to attend OTAs or training camp until a long-term agreement is reached.

Selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest, Bates has been one of the top safeties in the league over the last two season. He has recorded 408 total tackles and ten interceptions over his career in Cincinnati.

Bates would make around $13 million if he were to play under the tag this year.