Bengals Fans Should Be Concerned About Front Office Comments on Jessie Bates Free Agency

Several Cincinnati Bengals players stepped up throughout the team's thrilling NFL postseason run, including veteran safety Jessie Bates III. The 25-year-old has 20 tackles, six defended passes and two interceptions in four playoff games, however, he's set to become a free agent this month.

Bates has made it clear that he wants to remain a Bengal going forward. Although, the Cincinnati front office's latest comments regarding the safety's status might concern the fanbase.

Jessie Bates Contract

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told the NFL Network on Tuesday that he wants to keep Bates on the roster. However, he also added "we'll see what we can do" about getting a deal done.

There's a lack of urgency in Tobin's words that may concern Bengals fans. If a long-term deal can't be reached soon, Cincinnati must franchise tag Bates by the March 8 deadline if they want to prevent him from hitting the open market.

A former second-team All-Pro safety, Bates has suited up in 63 regular-season games with the Bengals over the last four years. He's amassed 408 total tackles in that span, along with 35 broken-up passes, 10 interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles. It isn't hard to see how he'd attract a lot of attention if he does reach free agency.

FanDuel Sportsbook is listing the Bengals as having +2000 odds (No. 8) to win Super Bowl LVII next season. If Cincinnati wants to maintain or improve those odds, locking down Bates will help a lot.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.