NFL Rumors: Jessie Bates to Patriots would be an ideal match
With NFL free agency getting underway officially with the tampering period on Monday, the New England Patriots have some clear needs to address.
There’s the obvious need for a number one wide receiver to help Mac Jones in his third NFL season. Then we have all the talk of how the Patriots should add at the tackles position on the offensive line.
But now, there’s another need: a safety after the news of Devin McCourty retiring.
There are some intriguing options out on the market. But one that really catches my eye and should catch the eye of Patriots nation is Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III.
The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon is going into the off-season as an unrestricted free agent. So could the Patriots be a good fit for the 6-foot-1 safety?
I truthfully think that Jessie Bates III could be a perfect match for the New England Patriots.
New England Patriots getting a versatile safety in Jessie Bates III
One of the things we love to see here in New England is a player that can do multiple things. Jessie Bates III fits that description rather nicely.
The great thing about Bates III is that he’s a complete safety. What does that mean?
It means that the safety did a great job of reading the run and making tackles when necessary. He can also cover different types of receivers: slot, on the outside, etc.
That’s big for this Patriots team that already has Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips as safeties as well.
Bates would bring a level of playmaking to an already good play-making Patriots defense. He had four interceptions in 2022, 16 overall in his five years in Cincinnati. Just for added measure, he had a forced fumble last season.
Point being, Bates can do a lot on a football field and that’s what this Patriots team needs to continue to march back toward the playoffs.
New England Patriots making a splash with Jessie Bates III
I’d love to see the Patriots make a splash in free agency this off-season like they did multiple times during the off-season that brought in Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Kendrick Bourne, and that whole class. Bates III is that type of signing.
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He’s going to be an expensive signing, that’s for sure. But with the production that the safety brought to a Bengals team that made the Super Bowl two seasons ago, wouldn’t it be worth it? I certainly think so.
The bottom line with the New England Patriots and Jessie Bates III
This would be a terrific place for Jessie Bates III to continue his solid NFL career.
Next. Patriots cut ties with punter Jake Bailey. dark
This Patriots team needs to continue to sure up the defense so it can build off of a successful 2022 season.
Plus, we’re not entirely sure if the Patriots will bring back Jabrill Peppers for another season.
So instead of throwing low money at a player, why not spend a little more to get someone that has proven they can play in the league and is still young?
The Patriots would be insane to not at least make a call to Jessie Bates III agent. Plus, he’d look like he belongs in a Patriots uniform. Get me to Monday!