Jessie Bates III Fantasy

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates is expected to log a full workload come Week 1 of the regular season, per head coach Zac Taylor. Bates was late to report to training camp due to contract negotiations, but it appears the Bengals defense will still have one of its key contributors at a full-go for a rivalry game vs. the Steelers. Bates has been a star of the Cincinnati secondary since he was taken in the second round of the 2018 Draft out of Wake Forest. The 25-year-old has logged three seasons with 100 or more tackles since entering the league, in addition to 35 passes defended and 10 interceptions in his career. With Bates in the mix, the Bengals' defense is on the precipice of fantasy relevance in 12-team leagues, particularly with solid matchups in two of their first three regular-season matchups.

Aug. 24th • 2:49 PM

Cincinnati Bengals star safety Jessie Bates, who didn't report to training camp due to failed contract negotiations, has returned to the team's facilities, according to a source. The 25-year-old officially signed his $12.9 million franchise tag. Bates finished the 2021 season with 88 tackles (67 solo), three tackles for loss, one interception, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery in 15 regular season games. He'll continue to be a key contributor in Cincinnati's secondary and will be in play as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues. Bates has recorded 100-plus tackles in three of his four NFL seasons.

Aug. 23rd • 12:30 PM

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III won't report to training camp on Tuesday. The franchise safety will holdout until he gets a new contract. However, the deadline for a long-term extension has already passed. The 25-year-old already said that he won't play on a franchise tag. At this point, Bates getting traded seems like the best resolution considering the circumstances. There is still time for Bates to change his mind or the two sides to resolve their differences. Although, it seems unlikely that Bates is going to suit up for the Bengals anytime soon.

Jul. 25th • 9:33 PM