As the Patriots look to replace Devin McCourty this offseason, there’s one high-priced option that resides above the rest.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss mentions in his most recent Sunday notes column that star Bengals safety Jessie Bates III could be a prime target for the Patriots, if they’re willing to outlay the necessary money. Bates is widely projected to receive a five-year deal worth $75-80 million.
They Patriots enter free agency with roughly $26 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.
Reiss says the Patriots targeting Bates, who made second-team All-Pro in 2020, would be analogous to them signing Stephon Gilmore at the start of free agency in 2017. “If Belichick takes a similar approach this year -- targeting a player with high-end traits in his prime years for a big contract -- there is one who stands out most as a Belichick-type fit: Bengals safety Jessie Bates III,” he writes. “[Bill] Belichick has said that McCourty’s presence allows the Patriots to play defense the way they want, and a pass-the-torch type of situation with the 26-year-old Bates could solidify the Patriots’ secondary for years to come.”
Bates, a versatile defender who can fit into multiple schemes, was the third-best coverage safety in the league last season, per NFL Next Gen stats. He allowed 15 catches on 30 targets for 243 yards.
In addition to Bates, the Bengals could lose safety Vonn Bell and linebacker Germaine Pratt in free agency. They will also probably try and extend Joe Burrow, who one salary cap expert thinks could command an eight-year contract worth over $400 million with more than $240 million in total guarantees.
That means the 26-year-old Bates could be just out of the Bengals’ budget. Belichick loves versatile players, and as Reiss mentioned, has struck big on select free agent defensive backs in the past.
Maybe Bates could join the list.
