NFL free agency 2022: Best safeties available

2. Jessie Bates

Jessie Bates was one of the best safeties in the league in 2020. With 109 tackles, three interceptions, 15 pass deflections and two tackles for loss, he got a second-team All-Pro nod.

His production took a step back in 2021 but the individual output is hardly important when you’re a key cog in a defense that made it to the Super Bowl. Bates finished with 88 tackles, one interception and three tackles for loss in the regular season before delivering 20 tackles and two interceptions in the playoffs.

The Bengals prioritized other players for extensions last offseason, so now they risk losing Bates in free agency. Cincinnati could franchise tag Bates to keep him off the market. If they don’t, their loss will be another team’s great gain.

Bates has not had a major injury concern in his four years in the league, starting 67 games over that stretch. There just aren’t any red flags for suitors to worry about.