The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on Jessie Bates III.

The safety was on the verge of becoming a free agent once his rookie deal expired.

"Over the past year, we've tried to extend his contract here in Cincinnati," Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said. "While that hasn't come to pass, we want him here for 2022 to be a part of what we think should be an exciting football season and bright future for our organization."

The franchise tender amount for safeties is $12.911 million.