Safety Jessie Bates "absolutely" wants to remain a member of the Cincinnati Bengals but would prefer not to play under a franchise tag.
"I just try to stay focused, control what I can. We'll see. Hopefully, I am not under a franchise tag," Bates said during an interview with Omar Ruiz on "NFL Now," according to Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
He added: "You only get one shot at this. And you know you've just gotta play your cards right."
Bates could become a free agent if the Bengals choose not to tag him prior to the March 8 deadline. Cincinnati was unable to sign him to a long-term deal after contract talks fell through during training camp last season.
The 24-year-old cited the lack of financial security as a concern to playing on a one-year franchise deal. The Bengals captain's $2.4-million salary in 2021 would be eclipsed by a potential $13-million figure in 2022 should he sign the franchise tender, according to Spotrac.
Bates isn't worried about "the ego part" of becoming one of the league's highest-paid safeties, noting that "value over cost" would be evaluated in discussions over the upcoming weeks.
The former second-round pick had a productive postseason, racking up 20 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions - including one in Super Bowl LVI.
Bates, who's started all 63 contests he's played in over the span of four seasons, envisions a bright future for the Bengals with or without his presence.
"There's a lot of good things to come there in Cincinnati - whether I'm there or not."
