Recently, Bengals safety Jessie Bates has had trouble getting paid. The former Second Team All-Pro safety has been holding out from team practices in the midst of stalled contract negotiations. So the question gets asked: Should the Eagles push for him?
The easy answer is yes. The complicated answer is yes. The Eagles’ defense would be complete with an established safety. Bates is a guaranteed 100-tackle a season guy, he is highly productive. Bates was also a huge reason why the Bengals made it to the big stage in 2022. Now with the departure of Rodney McLeod, safety feels like the only position the Eagles are shaky at. The birds are already in a good position for the next few years, having an up-and-coming roster. Imagine adding another established piece in their mid 20’s. Bates would be, in many ways, a very similar pick-up to AJ Brown. Both are very young, both are very talented, and both have had legitimate and recognized success in the league. Both have also had experience as the best player on their team in their position room. Bates is a staple in a championship-winning defense, and Brown was a staple in a division-winning offense
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The one problem is, I’m not sure what the Bengals would want from Philly. They could benefit from a player like Andre Dillard, although they are contenders and Dillard is a project. I could also see the Eagles giving up players like Milton Williams or K’Von Wallace, two players that are young and can be productive right now. Another problem is that the Eagles don’t have cap space. However, it is no secret that Eagles GM Howie Roseman is the cap wizard of the NFL. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Jessie Bates with wings on his helmet come September.