Ater two years of failed contract negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals, safety Jessie Bates has found a new home in Atlanta.
The Falcons signed Bates to a four-year deal worth $64 million, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. Bates' deal includes $23 million in the first year and $36 million over the course of the first two years, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Bates and the Bengals appeared destined for a break up after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term extension last summer. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Bates to ensure he played the 2022 season in Cincinnati.