NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Grading every NFL player given the franchise tag in 2022 offseason

By Khari Demos

NFL Free Agency; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball as Van Jefferson #12 of the Los Angeles Rams defends during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

S Jessie Bates — Cincinnati Bengals

Similar to Godwin, Bates is a strong example of why teams use the tag on players. Through his first three seasons of action, the Wake Forest product tallied nine interceptions, as well as averaged a 60.3% completion rate and 82.8 passer rating allowed in coverage. Those numbers are boosted by a stellar 2020 season where he was a second-team All-Pro, as he had a 90.1 PFF grade due to career-lows of a 54.3% completion rate and 70.7 passer rating allowed.

But then he had a rough go in 2021, as he had a career-worst 56.2 PFF grade. Bates has alternated great ratings (90.1 in ’20, 79.9 as a rookie in ’18) against two average-to-below-average seasons (56.2 in ’21, 61.2 in ’19). So what should the Bengals have done?

I do understand where the team is coming from, but Cincy could have done a little more for one of the biggest leaders on its squad, as well as a guy who helped pull the Bengals from the bowels of two- and four-win seasons in ’19 and ’20, respectively.

Plus, in helping the team earn its first Super Bowl berth in 33 years, the fourth-year pro played his best — Bates’ advanced defensive stats improved from the regular season, as he had two picks, a 57.4 passer rating, and a 50% completion rate allowed in four postseason games.

So Cincy did have a tough decision on its hands. Hopefully, Bates has a more consistent 2022 season so he can cash out for 2023.

Grade: B+

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