The Bengals and franchise-tagged safety Jessie Bates III have made “zero” progress on a long-term deal. The two sides have until today’s 4 p.m. EST deadline to come to an agreement, but all signs point to that being an unlikely outcome. (Tyler Dragon on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact
The 2020 second-team All-Pro safety has not yet signed his franchise-tag tender, and has “no intentions” to report to the team’s training camp that begins July 27, according to Tyler Dragon. With Cincinnati adding Dax Hill and Tycen Anderson in the draft, along with already having talented safety Vonn Bell on the roster, the team could now see Bates III as an expendable asset. Trade rumors have swirled all offseason, and this latest development could bring those rumors to fruition.