The Cincinnati Bengals have a track record of signing their key core players to contract extensions during a particular window – from training camp to the start of the regular season.
Former Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green got an extension done a few days in advance of the 2015 season, former Bengals defensive linemen Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap signed extensions days before the 2018 season opener and running back Joe Mixon inked his four-year extension in September prior to the 2020 regular season.
Bengals free safety Jessie Bates could be the next man in line.
“Anytime it’s a new contract extension or anything, you get very excited,” Bates said.
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Bates did his due diligence and prepared in advance for this very moment. Last year he hired David Mulugheta of Athletes First as his new agent. Mulugheta also represents standout NFL safeties Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers, Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals and the Washington Football Team’s Landon Collins. He has a reputation for getting big-money deals for his clients. Mulugheta’s success securing lucrative contracts for the athletes he represents is a major reason why Bates hired him to become his new agent.
“I made a change with my agent last year for this reason. I think a lot of guys focus too much on it, but I feel very comfortable with the change that I made. He knows what he’s doing,” Bates said of Mulugheta. “It’s not his first time doing it.”
According to a source, Bates is eyeing a contract in the ballpark of Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. Simmons signed a four-year, $61 million contract extension, with $35 million guaranteed in March.
The Bengals safety is certainly worthy of a big payday.
In his first three years in Cincinnati, Bates has blossomed into one of the best safeties in the league. Pro Football Focus gave Bates the highest safety grade (90.1) in the NFL last season. The 6-foot-1 safety also earned second-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career last year.
The fourth-year safety wants to continue his career in Cincinnati. He’s enjoying his role on the Bengals and the city’s proximity to his hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is also a huge perk.
“Obviously, I feel like I’m a core piece in Cincinnati. My family is three hours away, so I would love to be here,” Bates said.
Bates is well aware that he’s playing under the final year of his rookie deal. However, he intends to let his agent handle his contract business. What’s at the forefront of his mind is football and becoming a better leader.
“I’m taking the level up with the leadership role,” the 24-year-old Bates said. “Instead of receiving news from the older guys, I’m getting the news and reporting it to the other guys.”
The Bengals already view Bates as one of their leaders. Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has coached Bates for the past two seasons. He’s witnessed Bates grow into a leader on and off the field.
“Jessie’s credibility has grown on the field. His peers see it. That sometimes can lead to leadership-type roles and Jessie has done a good job with that,” Anarumo said. “He’s had some success on the field, which we’ve all seen. He’s a really good worker and that in turn has worked into his leadership role. It’s good to see.”
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