Bates says he isn't playing on tag

[Cincyfan78]

probably has more money in the bank right now than a normal person does when they retire with a 401k

he'll just go to the gym and try to stay in shape for when he plays for the Browns.

I hope that is true, but as we are all too well aware of - those who make a ton of money have a bad habit of spending a lot of money. The mount of pro athletes that earn millions of dollars over their career (even if it were just 4-5M) and end up broke and working "normal" jobs later in life is sad.

Got to have that 10 room house, those 5 cars, and of course plenty of jewelry...

 

[cincygrad]

probably has more money in the bank right now than a normal person does when they retire with a 401k

he'll just go to the gym and try to stay in shape for when he plays for the Browns.

That's not difficult..... The average American has a median 401K balance under 100K at retirement age.

In reality, Bates has made a lot of money for a 20-something. But, he probably has less than 5 million in the bank.... That 12 million contract to play this season is a game-changer for his life.... But then again, a 30 million guaranteed next offseason is also a game changer and might not even be predicated on if he plays a down this year.

 

[Cincyfan78]

And a shock to absolutely no one: Bates has reported camp....

 

[CrashDavisSports]

And a shock to absolutely no one: Bates has reported camp....

Holding out the season was never going to benefit him. Without signing the franchise tag, he would have been eligible next year for a 1st year franchise tag again. He had to sign eventually to get credit for his first year, so if he gets tagged again next year the price really explodes especially with Fitzpatrick and James new contracts.

 

[cincygrad]

With Bates returning and Dax Hill showing great promise, the Bengals are in good position for the challenges that will come up in the AFC. I think having Hilton as a first-rate slot specialist and Hill as a third safety will give Lou some great options for defense. And I think Apple is much better than he is given credit for by all the people he triggers on social media. My only concern is depth at corner.... Otherwise, this secondary is in great shape.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

With Bates returning and Dax Hill showing great promise, the Bengals are in good position for the challenges that will come up in the AFC. I think having Hilton as a first-rate slot specialist and Hill as a third safety will give Lou some great options for defense. And I think Apple is much better than he is given credit for by all the people he triggers on social media. My only concern is depth at corner.... Otherwise, this secondary is in great shape.

If money was not an option, which we know it is, ideally we would have Bates and Hill as our safeties ongoing for 5 years.

 

[DanBengalfan]

Sigh of relief.