How the Bengals should spend their money this offseason

Bengals’ offseason: Extend Jessie Bates III to a record-breaking contract

Jessie Bates III is the best player on the Bengals’ roster. It is as simple as that. Honestly, he might not even have much competition for that title either.

In order to become a competitive franchise, the Cincinnati front office will need to make sure Bates is a part of the team’s long-term future by handing him a massive contract extension. The highest-paid safety in the league right now is Budda Baker, whose contract has an average yearly pay of $14,750,000.

If the Bengals believe that Bates is the best safety in the league, which he has a strong case for, they should have no problem paying him more than this and setting a new standard for safety contracts. They shouldn’t even allow the idea of him hitting the open market see the day of light.

If Bates is extended and Jackson is retained, the Bengals could have one of the best secondaries in the NFL for years to come. With complimentary pieces like Darius Phillips, Vonn Bell, and Trae Waynes, the Bengals have all the pieces to build an elite secondary, as long as they keep hold of the stars of the keep.