The Bengals could be without franchise-tagged safety Jessie Bates at the start of training camp after failing to agree to terms on a long-term extension prior to Friday’s deadline, according to multiple reports.
Bates, 25, has been in a stalemate with Cincinnati since the club placed its franchise tag on the standout in March. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the two sides would not be reaching a deal after there had been “no traction” in the days leading up to Friday’s 4 p.m. ET franchise tag deadline, making Bates a candidate to miss the start of camp on July 26 and possibly longer.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported Bates has “no intentions of reporting to training camp, nor playing on the franchise tag,” adding to the mounting speculation that he could hold out until the sides find a resolution. Bates has reportedly not signed the one-year tender, which would net him $12.91 million this upcoming season.
