Which players can reset markets in the free agency period?

3 of 3

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills argues with Jessie Bates III #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Which players can reset markets in the free agency period?

Jessie Bates III, S

Jessie Bates III just played the 2022 season on the franchise tag, and his current team, the Cincinnati Bengals, do have enough cap space to re-sign Bates to a rich, potentially market-resetting deal.

Bates has been excellent and is one of the top safeties in the NFL. He’s missed just three games in five years, has 479 total tackles in his career thus far, and 14 career interceptions.

He’s a do it all type of player and might be able to reset the market at his position. Most recently, the safety market was reset by Derwin James, whose contract is worth $19 million per year. The $76 million value of his contract is also tops in the NFL.

Could Jesse Bates III reset both of these numbers? I think it’s possible. He’s set to enter his age-26 season, so his prime is right there.

Bates could potentially sign a four year contract extension worth $19.5 million per season.

So, the deal would look like this: four years, $78 million.

I think this could be attainable for Bates, and I think he and his agency will vouch hard to make Bates the highest paid safety in the NFL.

Other candidates that could reset the market at their positions: Orlando Brown, Saquon Barkley, Mike Gesicki, Jawaan Taylor, Mike McGlinchey

Home/NFL News