The Cincinnati Bengals reached the AFC Championship Game in consecutive years thanks to one of the best rosters in football. With young stars Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins now headed for contract extensions, Cincinnati is poised to lose one of its most impactful players.
While the Bengals are among the leaders in NFL salary cap space this offseason, it could diminish quickly. Samaje Perine, Vonn Bell and Hayden Hurst are among the club’s top impending free agents and the franchise must also budget for contract extensions.
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Even with the salary cap expected to climb by nearly $20 million every season, though, Cincinnati faces some long-term cap management issues. As a result, one of the best NFL defenses in the second half of the season will be losing a difference-maker in the secondary.
Jay Morrison of The Athletic wrote that safety Jessie Bates is “as good as gone” in free agency. The Bengals are already prepared for his market to push contract demands past a point they’re comfortable paying.
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Losing Bates would be a significant blow to Cincinnati’s secondary. Playing on the franchise tag last season, the 25-year-old safety excelled as a run defender (88.3 PFF grade) and recorded four interceptions.
The Bengals would reportedly like to re-sign Bell, who served as a leader on the defense. However, there is uncertainty regarding his market and what it will cost to re-sign him this offseason.
Cincinnati used the 31st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on defensive back Daxton Hill, viewing him as the successor to Bates. However, he barely saw the field in his rookie season (130 snaps) and the few times he saw significant playing time didn’t go well.
If the Bengals lose Bates and are unable to re-sign Bell, one of the best second-half defenses in 2022 could be in danger of taking a significant step back next season.
