Report: Bengals, Bates not expected to reach long-term deal before deadline

The Cincinnati Bengals and star safety Jessie Bates aren't expected to strike a long-term deal by Friday's franchise-tag deadline, a source told Kelsey Conway of The Enquirer.

Franchise-tagged players like Bates have until 4 p.m. ET Friday to sign a long-term deal. If a contract isn't reached, Bates will be set to play the 2022 season under the $12.9-million tag, per Spotrac.

Discussions between the two parties remain at a standstill, Conway adds.

The safety market got a new front-runner this offseason when Minkah Fitzpatrick became the position's highest-paid player by averaging $18.4-million per year.

Bates has been a key member of the Bengals' secondary since being selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. He's recorded 10 interceptions across 63 career starts and picked off two passes during the team's playoff run last season.

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