Fansided

Ranking every player on the Steelers free agency board

By Kinnu Singh

Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) looks on during a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) looks on during a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 06: Jessie Bates III #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after an interception during the first half in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Paycor Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 06: Jessie Bates III #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after an interception during the first half in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Paycor Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Jessie Bates III, S

Last year, safety Jessie Bates III made it clear that he wanted to be paid what he was worth by holding out for a significant payday from the Cincinnati Bengals. The lucrative contract never came to fruition, and Bates received a franchise tag worth $12.9 million instead.

Now, Bates is scheduled to hit the free agency market and play the field to finally earn what he believes he is worth in the NFL. After all, Bates is one of, if not the NFL’s best safety right now, and his next contract is expected to reflect that.

It’s always enjoyable to steal a fantastic player away from a divisional rival, but in this case, Bates truly could be a game-changer that helps the Steelers win a few more games in 2023. Behind The Still Curtain’s Dave Schofield aptly points out that “Terrell Edmunds and Damontae Kazee are free agents”, which means the Steelers could have an opening at the position for an upgrade like Bates.

Pittsburgh could very well bring back Edmunds and Kazee, but if they are able to give Bates a competitive offer, it would be foolish if they did not at least negotiate for the 26-year-old star safety.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers