Jessie Bates Focused on Winning With Contract Extension Talks Looming

"I just want to win. That’s all I care about."

Jessie Bates III has emerged as one of the best safeties in the National Football League.

The fourth-year player has developed into one of the NFL’s best safeties.

He had 109 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 15 passes defensed last season. Bates was also Pro Football Focus’ highest rated safety in 2020. 

Bates is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is looking ahead to a possible extension with Cincinnati.

"Anytime [there is] contract extension [talk], then you get very excited,” Bates said. “I feel like I'm a core piece in Cincinnati. My family's three hours away, so I would love to be here. But my main goal is to take that next level that I keep saying as a leader on this team.”

For more on the Bengals, including the latest news and breakdowns, subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Bates has taken that next step on the team as a leader this offseason. He played a huge role in organizing the perfect attendance for the Bengals’ organized team activities [OTAs] after being named the Cincinnati’s NFLPA rep upon Geno Atkins’ release. 

Extending Bates won't come cheap for the Bengals. Broncos safety Justin Simmons signed a four-year/$61 million contract in March that made him the highest-paid safety in the league. 

Budda Baker's four-year, $59 million deal with the Cardinals is second. Eddie Jackson isn't far behind after signing a four-year, $58.4 million contract with the Bears.

Bates hired the highly touted agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First to handle the extension process. Mulugheta was the world’s number one NFL agent in 2020 according to Forbes. He represents plenty of stars, including Deshaun Watson, Jalen Ramsey and Michael Thomas.

Bates has a desire to stay in Cincinnati. He believes the team is building something special and likes his expanded role. Expect contract extension talks to heat up around training camp. 

"I made a change with my agent last year for this reason. I think a lot of guys focus too much on it, but I feel very comfortable with the change that I made," Bates said. "He knows what he’s doing. It’s not his first time doing it. The money part of it will come. I just want to win. That’s all I care about is winning. The money part of it will come. Not just for me, but for everybody in this program."

Make sure you bookmark AllBengals for the latest Bengals offseason news and rumors!

-----

You May Also Like:

Bengals OL Hakeem Adeniji to Miss Significant Time With Pec Injury

Watch: Highlights of Joe Burrow and Others From Bengals Minicamp

Bengals Add Five Interns to Zac Taylor's Staff

Joe Burrow, Rest of Bengals' Stars Shine Bright on Media Day

Auden Tate Wears Bengals' New Uniforms For First Time

Sean McVay Talked With Zac Taylor About Joe Burrow & Ja'Marr Chase

Bengals Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie Receives Big Time Praise

Zac Taylor Compares Ja'Marr Chase to Cooper Kupp in Two Key Areas

Analyst Makes BOLD Prediction for Burrow and the Bengals' Offense

Watch: Quality Breakdown of Bengals' OTAs

Jessie Bates Leads Way as Bengals' Secondary Receives Praise

Analysts Asks Important Question About Joe Burrow and the Bengals

Joe Mixon Breakout Incoming? Zac Taylor Endorses His Star RB

Check Out the Best Photos From the Bengals Third Week of OTAs

Tee Higgins Surprised by Joe Burrow's Increase in Velocity

Bengals Offensive Line Ranked Higher Than Expected

Watch Highlights From Week 3 of Bengals OTAs

Former NFL Wide Receiver Buying Stock in Tee Higgins

Look: A.J. Green Wears a Cardinals Jersey for the First Time

Randy Bullock is Headed to the Hall of Fame

LeBron James, Other Athletes React to Chad Johnson's Boxing Debut

Joe Burrow High on Latest Power Rankings for Comeback Player of the Year

Bengals Banking on Ja'Marr Chase to be Significant Upgrade in Wide Receiver Room

C.J. Uzomah Wants to be Like Tom Brady

Exclusive: Tee Higgins Poised for Big Leap in Year Two

Watch: Joe Burrow Throws 60-Yard Bombs at Bengals Practice

Joe Burrow's Velocity Up in OTAs: "Tight Coverage Won't Matter"

Data Says Joe Burrow, Bengals Should Make Leap in 2021

Watch: Joe Burrow Throws on the Move During OTAs

Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow Tweaked Throwing Motion This Offseason

Joe Burrow Making Progress, Here's the Latest on His Recovery

Two Bengals Make List of Top 25 Players Under 25-years-old

Look: Joe Burrow Projected to Have Big Season

Zac Taylor Among Favorites to Be First NFL Head Coach Fired This Season

Look: Odds on Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon's Comeback Player of the Year Chances

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on AllBengals all the time!

Subscribe to the AllBengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow AllBengals on Facebook