The Bengals could be without franchise-tagged safety Jessie Bates at the start of training camp after failing to agree to terms on a long-term extension prior to Friday’s deadline, according to multiple reports.
Bates, 25, has been in a stalemate with Cincinnati since the club placed its franchise tag on the standout in March. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the two sides would not be reaching a deal after there had been “no traction” in the days leading up to Friday’s 4 p.m. ET franchise tag deadline, making Bates a candidate to miss the start of training camp on July 26 and possibly longer.