What is one of the biggest dominoes that led to the defense falling apart after 2022? The Cincinnati Bengals allowing safety Jessie Bates to walk in free agency. At the time, the front office was unwilling to meet Bates’ expectations for guaranteed money, and that led to him signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Bengals have spent plenty of free agent and draft capital trying to replace what Bates did on the backend of this defense. Obviously, it all epically failed, which is why this past offseason
the team went out and got safety Bryan Cook to bring a veteran to stabilize the position. Unfortunately, he has been dealing with an injury, but even if he is able to return, could Cincinnati take a flyer on Bates to pair with him?
The need is there. Jordan Battle has had serious issues. Kyle Dugger has also had injuries as well.
To be clear, I don’t this this is the move that is in the realm of reality for Cincinnati. I also do not think re-signing Bates back then would have magically fixed everything that went wrong defensively. Bates is in the final year of his contract, and the Falcons aren’t exactly shopping him around. I think if it was more than a Day 3 pick then the Bengals are instantly out.
Do I think that if they brought Bates in it would help? Absolutely.
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