Bengals mock offseason: Projecting free agency, the draft and more

Bengals mock offseason: Contract Extensions

Jessie Bates III

I have already written multiple times about Jessie Bates III and the importance of the Bengals’ signing him to an extension, and I expect them to do just that. Bates is arguably the best safety in the NFL and will be a cornerstone of this franchise as they seek to win a championship during the Joe Burrow era.

As one of the premier safeties in the NFL, the Bengals will pay him as such. Bates has shown that he is worthy of a lucrative contract and the front office should be willing to make him the highest-paid safety in the league.

Sam Hubbard

Sam Hubbard is nowhere near as integral to the Bengals’ defensive line as Carl Lawson, but he is a solid member of the rotation regardless. The front office seems interested in locking Hubbard up and making him a part of their long-term plans, the two should be able to come to an agreement on a contract extension sometime this offseason.

While Hubbard and Lawson aren’t enough on their own at the edge rusher position, expect the Bengals’ to be looking for more players to add to the rotation in the draft.