ESPN's Yates: Bengals' Jessie Bates III 'perhaps the most underrated player in the NFL'

ESPN's Field Yates called Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III "perhaps the most underrated player in the NFL" in a tweet Wednesday, suggesting that a report Tuesday that the Bengals and Bates aren't expected to reach a contract extension at this time "sets up the likelihood of the Bengals using the franchise tag" on Bates next offseason.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday that Bates and the Bengals are "not progressing toward a deal."

"I wish it was done today, obviously, but there are negotiations that have to happen between my agent and you know, upstairs," Bates told reporters late last month, per The Enquirer's Adam Baum. "That's a process ... I'm eager about, but it'll happen when it's supposed to happen. I truly believe that."

In February, Yates tweeted that Bates doesn't get the recognition he deserves for a player with his talent.

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