Bengals' Jessie Bates stands to gain from Chargers safety Derwin James' contract extension
Wednesday was a day Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James will never forget, as James' $76-million contract extension made him the highest paid safety in the National Football League.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo pointed out that James' extension also bodes well for Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III.
Bates, like James, is represented by David Mulugheta. The Enquirer's Kelsey Conway wrote last month about why Bates and the Bengals' front office were unable to agree on a contract extension.
In a video shared via Twitter by Garafolo, the reporter points out that Bates, who attended the Bengals' first preseason game, will "get big money" after playing the upcoming season - if he so chooses - under the franchise tag:
From NFL Now on NFL Network on #Bengals S Jessie Bates among those who will (eventually) reap the benefits of #Chargers S Derwin James pushing the market even higher today. pic.twitter.com/VMdgeZuysi
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 17, 2022
Conway tweeted Wednesday about Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's thoughts regarding Bates:
Joe Burrow on Jessie Bates: When Jessie's business is over, we'll welcome him back with open arms whenever he's ready.
For those asking if this is going to become a distraction, this response sums up the answer. It's not.— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) August 17, 2022
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Derwin James' Chargers extension bodes well for Bengals' Jessie Bates
