11 Bengals who could be playing final game with team in Super Bowl LVI

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Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

10. Jessie Bates

Entering the season, Jessie Bates was someone to watch when it came to an extension. Cincinnati decided to extend Sam Hubbard, which was a smart move, but Bates remained unextended as the season kicked off in early September.

Unfortunately for him, Bates went on to have arguably the worst season of his career during the regular season. He’s been his normal self during the playoffs, however, which doesn’t bode great for Cincinnati. He’ll be an expensive player to keep but it’s not as though this team can’t afford him.

While fans are optimistic that Bates returns to the Queen City, we can’t rule out that Super Bowl LVI could be the final time we see him in a Bengals uniform.

9. C.J. Uzomah

As sad as it is to think about, Sunday might be the last time we tight end and fan-favorite C.J. Uzomah donning his stripes. The former fifth-round pick has become a cheerleader for the team, especially this season when he proclaimed in training camp that this team could contend for a Super Bowl.

Uzomah has been solid but with his injury in the AFC Championship Game and the team still needing help at the position, it’s not unfathomable to think this could be it for him in Cincinnati. If I had to bet, I’d say Uzomah returns to Cincinnati but we’ll have to see how free agency plays out.