Bates returns to Bengals, signs franchise tag

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates signed his franchise tag after returning to the team's facility Tuesday, the club announced.

Bates will be placed on the exempt/commissioner's permission list. Cincinnati will have a roster exemption for two weeks, although Bates can be activated at any time. The Bengals are set to take part in joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams this week.

The 25-year-old defender didn't sign his franchise tag or report for the start of training camp after negotiations on a contract extension failed. He wasn't fined for missing training camp because he didn't sign his tender.

Bates is set to earn $12.91 million playing under the tag during the 2022 season. Cincinnati's star defensive back previously informed the club of his lack of desire to play under the franchise tender.

The Wake Forest product was a foundational piece of a Bengals defense that made it to the Super Bowl last season. The 2018 second-round pick recorded 88 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one interception in 2021. He picked up six passes defended and two interceptions in the postseason.

Rookie Dax Hill filled in for Bates during the team's first two preseason matchups.