3 years agoThe Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on star safety Jessie Bates on Monday, according to a source. The Bengals were expected to use the tag on Bates all along, as a long-term deal between Bates and the Bengals appears unlikely before the deadline this summer. Tagging the 25-year-old will cost the team around $13 million in salary cap space this year. Bates has said that he doesn't want to play on the franchise tag, so this could be a situation worth watching ahead of training camp if he does not come to an agreement on a long-term deal. After three straight seasons of 100-plus combined tackles, Bates took a step back in 2021, recording 88 tackles (67 solo), one interception and four passes defensed in 15 regular season games. Regardless, he should still be a starting option in IDP leagues in 2022.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport