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 tale that I thought Falcons supporters should see. This article by 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 depart and has struggled to fill his shoes. Though most of the credit for the Bengals’ postseason success went to Joe Burrow, it was Bates and the defence that carried the team to the AFC title game and the Super Bowl. “The Bengals and former safety Jessie Bates III were unable to reach a multi-year agreement before 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, according to Baby. Head coach Zac Taylor announced during his news conference following the draft that Hill has struggled and is now being shifted back to cornerback. Since Bates left, the Bengals’ defence has shown signs of poor safety play, making them vulnerable to explosive plays. The Bengals are still looking to replace the All-Pro defensive, while the Falcons are reaping the benefits of their investment in Wake Forrest. “With hindsight, it’s possible that extending Bates as early as 2021 would have eased 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 at a time when the Atlanta Falcons have been the target of criticism from the national media on their draft. After Jessie Bates’ large contract was criticised 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’s take a moment to appreciate the little things in life, like the Falcons hitting a home run with Jessie Bates III.
Leave a Reply