Former Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates signed a four-year, $64.02 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons and will receive $23 million his first year.
Jessie Bates becomes the fourth highest-paid safety in NFL history after a career-high four interceptions in 2022 as he played the season on the franchise tag. Bates has played in Cincinnati for five years and totaled 14 interceptions and 43 passes defended. The Bengals safety was a key defensive player for the 2021 Bengals playoff run and will leave a significant hole in the Cincinnati secondary.
The Falcons going into free agency with the second most cap room, splurge on the best safety available as Atlanta looks to solve their defensive issues from 2022. The Falcons will look to fix the defensive line, as Atlanta had one of the worst pass rush defenses in 2022. As Atlanta will need to build within their trenches, they’ve found their playmaker in the secondary to pair with cornerback AJ Terrell.
The Bengals have lost both safeties Bates and Vonn Bell to NFC South teams as Bell signed with the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal. This will require Bengals 2022 first-round pick Daxton Hill to step into the starting safety position for the 2023 season.
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