Although everyone in the country is talking about the NFL Draft, particularly the Falcons and their choice to select Michael Penix with their first pick, I found another story that I thought Falcons supporters should see.
This article from ESPN’s Ben Baby, the Bengals beat writer, discusses how it has been expensive to not extend Jessie Bates III. While Atlanta gave the former second-round pick a $64 million free agent deal and rewarded him right away, Cincinnati let him walk and has struggled to fill his shoes.
Joe Burrow got most of the credit for the Bengals’ postseason success, but Bates and the Bengals defense carried those teams to the AFC and Super Bowl titles.
“The Bengals and former safety Jessie Bates III were unable to reach a multi-year agreement prior to the 2021 season, which would have placed him among the highest-paid safeties in the league. After a year, Bates was replaced by [Dax] Hill, who was drafted by Cincinnati and given the one-year franchise tag,” Baby stated.
Head coach Zac Taylor announced during his press conference following the draft that Hill has struggled and is now being moved back to cornerback. The Bengals’ defense has shown signs of subpar safety play since Bates left, making them vulnerable to explosive plays.
The Bengals are still looking to replace the All-Pro defender, while the Falcons are reaping the rewards of their investment in the Wake Forest product.
“With hindsight, it would have been beneficial to extend Bates as early as 2021 to address some of the outstanding concerns,” Baby continued.
Although hindsight is always 20/20, I felt that this would be a good time to compile this during a time when the Atlanta Falcons have been the target of criticism from the national media regarding their draft.
After Jessie Bates’ massive contract was criticized by Atlanta last year, all he accomplished was have his second All-Pro season, finishing second among safeties in tackles (132), tied for third in interceptions (6), and third in forced fumbles (3).
Though many in Atlanta are questioning the selection of Michael Penix, let us take a moment to appreciate the finer things in life, such as the Falcons hitting a home run with Jessie Bates III.
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