While there’s little chance the Cowboys will pull off another trade at this point in the year, it’s not entirely out of the question. Since there are certain rumors that a player could become part of their ranks.
This is Bengals defensive back Jessie Bates. As an AFC champion and a defensive back who sought to win Super Bowl LVI, this gives him a great reference card. His last season with the AFC North team left him with 88 combined tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception. However, during the postseason he would notch another pair of interceptions, including one against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Jessie Bates making friends with the ball one interception at a time.
????️: @NFL pic.twitter.com/bVH870GVS1
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 14, 2022
Now, one of the details that has created conflict between the player and the Cincinnati organization is the fact that the defensive back was awarded the franchise tag at the beginning of March. Something that does not seem the most sensible to the athlete as far as his future is concerned.
In itself, a few weeks earlier he had already declared the fact that he did not agree that they use the franchise tag on him. “That is something that has to be discussed a little bit in the NFL Players Association. Some of the best guys end up injured under the franchise tag,” Bates said at the time. “It’s hard since they only give you one chance. You could say that you have to play your cards very well”.
Although these statements by Bates were made on February 23, the Bengals did not seem to care much. And as in this type of case, a bad move does not bring good consequences. The safety has been totally absent from organized activities, and will simply give the impression that the organization does not count on him at all. The safety would have until July 15 to sign the tag, but seeing his reactions, it stands to reason that this is out of the question.
Same as last week, Trey Hendrickson and Jessie Bates aren’t at OTAs. pic.twitter.com/ASJotYJVy4
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) May 24, 2022
There are two reasons that clearly set off alarms regarding this matter. One is the fact that the Bengals had enough money to give the player an extension. We must not forget that Bates has played his entire career in Cincinnati, being a second-round selection in the 2018 Draft. The other is that during this year’s Draft, with the 31st pick, the AFC North team was left with Daxton Hill, a safety out of the University of Michigan.
Given all this, the most logical step would be for the Super Bowl runners-up to seek a trade for the player. This type of action creates a distraction in the locker room, and it would be best to finish it as soon as possible. According to various rumors, the Philadelphia Eagles could be interested in getting his services. Note to take into consideration since the Cowboys’ rivals in the NFC East have managed to obtain very good talent during all these months.
Consequently, the Cowboys could have a golden opportunity to keep a player who could help without problems in a position where it never hurts to have someone of reference. Bates already showed his value in the postseason with the Bengals, which has made him a defensive element to be reckoned with in the league.
Right now, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, Israel Mukuamu and Donovan Wilson as priority safeties. It would not be bad at all to add Bates to the group, although there would be a big question ahead. Whether the Cowboys would be willing to trade any of their defensive stars or even a first- or second-round pick for next year. Though if the Bengals are looking for someone else to run the offensive line and protect their quarterback Joe Burrow, this is something the lone star team couldn’t afford. They already lost La’el Collins, who ended up with Cincinnati as of 2022.
Knowing the philosophy of the team, none of this may happen. But the fact that the Eagles are on the hunt for the player could change their minds. In itself, there were many rumors of the possible arrival of receiver AJ Brown to the Cowboys. Thing that he ended up cutting Philadelphia thanks to a trade in the Draft with the Titans. Either way, all you have to do is wait and see a positive solution for the Cowboys.
