The Dallas Cowboys could be interested in signing one of the NFL’s top young safeties.
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates, according to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, is an NFL veteran who should seek a trade before the start of the 2022 season. Bates is currently on the team’s franchise tag after Tyler Dragon of USA Today reported in February that he didn’t want to play in such a situation.
Bates’ absence from offseason team practices has prompted Davenport to suggest that the Cowboys might use a “boost on the back end” from Bates.
“If Bates is truly opposed to playing under the tag, then this is exactly the type of distraction the Bengals don’t require,” Davenport adds. “With the Philadelphia Eagles listed as a possible suitor and other contenders like the Dallas Cowboys in need of a boost on the back end, a clean split could be the best chance for all parties.”
Top players have been injured while playing under the franchise tag, according to Bates, damaging their prospects of landing a lucrative contract.
“That’s something that has to be talked about a little bit at the NFLPA.” “Under a franchise tag, some of the top guys were hurt,” Bates told NFL NOW on Feb. 23. “It’s a challenge.” This is your one and only chance. I suppose you could say you just have to play your cards right.”
On the back end, the Cowboys might benefit from Bates’ presence.
The Cowboys don’t absolutely require a starting free safety, since Malik Hooker is expected to fill that job in 2022. Despite not being a full-time starter last season, Hooker played 44 percent of defensive snaps and had a defensive grade of 70.4, according to Pro Football Focus. Hooker was regarded as the league’s 28th-best safety with that grade.
For All-Pro Safety, the Cowboys are considering a trade candidate.
