CINCINNATI — Bengals safety Jessie Bates isn't expected to play under the franchise tag this season and is planning to skip OTAs and training camp according to Tyler Dragon of USA Today.
The report came out on Monday evening, which caused fans to question Bates' future.
Popular comedian and Bengals fan Gary Owen discussed the star safety briefly on his Instagram story.
"Good morning Bengal fans, this cup of Nespresso goes out to Jessie Bates," Owen said. "I don't get in people's pockets. I just want him to be on the team, so whatever we gotta do, let's just do it. C'mon Bengals!"
"Preach, Gary O!" Bates responded. "Good morning world!"
Bates clearly wants to become one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. He's set to make $12.91 million on the franchise tag, but it's only a one-year commitment. He's pushing for a long-term contract.
He posted career-lows in multiple categories last season, finishing with 88 tackles, four passes defensed and one interception.
Bates, 25, caught fire in the postseason and helped the Bengals win the AFC Championship. He compiled 20 tackles, six passes defensed and two interceptions in four playoff games.
The star safety isn't in Cincinnati for Bengals' voluntary workouts. Training camp begins at the end of July.
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