Bengals Expected To Use Franchise Tag On Jessie Bates III

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to place the franchise tag on Jessie Bates III before the March 8 deadline, according to a report.

Cincinnati will then try to negotiate a long-term deal with Bates, who they drafted in 2018.

The two sides would have until July 15 to come to terms on a new deal. If they cannot agree on a new deal, Bates would play under the tag in 2022 which is expected to pay him roughly $13 million, all guaranteed.