NFL Free Agency rumors: Bengals all set to let star safety walk

More heartbreak is set to follow in Cincinnati following their AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If rumors are true, the Bengals will be letting go of star safety Jessie Bates III in free agency.

The team placed the franchise tag on him last season once his contract ran out. But it seems unlikely that they'll be exercising that option this time around. As per NFL insider Jay Morrison, the team looks certain to move on from Bates, who had four interceptions last season.

Dov Kleiman

@NFL_DovKleiman

#Bengals Safety Jessie Bates is "as good as gone" from Cincinnati, writes @JayMorrisonATH

Bates is expected to hit free-agency after playing on the franchise tag in 2022.

He should be one of the better free-agents available in March.

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#Bengals Safety Jessie Bates is "as good as gone" from Cincinnati, writes @JayMorrisonATH

Bates is expected to hit free-agency after playing on the franchise tag in 2022.

He should be one of the better free-agents available in March. https://t.co/lv20bQH9sY

The safety was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has so far spent all five seasons of his NFL career with the AFC North franchise. His performances warranted him a spot on the roster after being named second-team All-Pro in 2020.

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Plenty of teams will be around to scoop up the star safety once he hits the free agency market. Among the favorites to land him are the Atlanta Falcons and division rivals Cincinnati Bengals.

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