Joe Burrow chimes in on understanding the Jessie Bates contract situation

When it comes to ongoing contract situations and well, disputes, it’s all business when you’re a starting athlete in the NFL. Such is the case when it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals and trying to get everything taken care of with their star safety Jessie Bates.

At this point in time, Bates has yet to sign the franchise tender that the Bengals hit him with this offseason so hopefully, they can have better contract negotiations next year. Of course, this isn’t sitting well with Bates who simply wanted a long-term contract done before the start of training camp.

Bates has opted to skip training camp due to this as it’s turned into quite the situation. Obviously, Bates was a huge part of last year’s epic Super Bowl run and simply wants to be paid as one of the top safeties in the NFL thanks to everything he brings to the table. At the end of the day, it’s clear his teammates miss seeing him in training camp.

Joe Burrow chimes in on the Jessie Bates contract situation

Even quarterback Joe Burrow recently chimed in on not seeing Bates on the field with his teammates but is excited to welcome him back when all that gets settled. In an article written by James Rapien of Sports Illustrated, here’s what Burrow had to say about his understanding of what’s going on between the Bengals and Bates:

"“Jessie’s business is his business. When he’s ready to come back, we’ll be excited to have him. Obviously a great player, great person, great friend. So when his business is over, we’ll welcome him back with open arms.”"

Burrow hit the nail right on the head. Hopefully, this business gets taken care of one way or the other since his presence is undoubtedly needed in training camp. It’s easy to understand why Bates obviously wants his big payday and is choosing to make that known by not reporting to training camp.

It’s still a great sight to see that regardless of what happens with Bates and his ongoing contract battle with the Bengals, his teammates still support him and will easily welcome him back. Hopefully, this all gets resolved one way or the other and it happens soon since the regular season is right around the corner.