Mike Hilton has a message for the Bengals regarding Jessie Bates
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton ended the presser with a soundbite that’s sure to get plenty of play in the coming weeks (maybe even months).
After fielding questions ahead of the Bengals’ matchup against the Ravens, Hilton said “Extend Jessie Bates” as he exited.
Ooh boy.
Mike Hilton ends presser with this gem “extend Jesse Bates.” #Bengals
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 20, 2021
To Bengals fans, this comment is welcomed because the team should absolutely extend Bates. He’s been one of the best safeties in the NFL since entering the league in 2018 and has been one of the biggest players on the defensive side of the ball.
From a front-office standpoint, however, this comment might not be popular. Bates has deserved an extension but the team has held off on doing so despite now multiple pleas from his teammates.
During training camp, Sam Hubbard, who was coming off an extension of his own, said that he wants to play with Bates for a long time. Pretty obvious what he was alluding to there.
Bates himself wants a deal done too and he said so ahead of the season.
Mike Hilton urges the Bengals to extend Jessie Bates.
Per Over the Cap, Jamal Adams is the highest-paid safety in the NFL making $70 million through the end of his contract in 2026. That’s the going rate for Bates and the Bengals should pony up and pay the man.
The franchise tag is an option this offseason but if the team plans to extend him down the road, there’s no better time than the present. He’s proven to be a great player, is a leader on the defensive side of the ball, and the players are calling for him to be extended.
Next. 4 Big Surprises from Week 6. dark
Listen to Mike Hilton and get it done, Bengals.