The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on safety Jessie Bates in March, meaning Bates would play the upcoming season on the franchise tag number - about $13 million - if he doesn't reach a long-term deal with the team by July 15.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday night via Twitter that there isn't a lot of optimism that the Bengals and Bates, 25, will bridge the gap between the tag number and the top of the safety market - in excess of $18 million - before that deadline next week.
