There was reason to wonder if Atlanta Falcons star safety Jessie Bates was holding in for a new contract, as the defender hasn't been active throughout early training camp. However, AJC's Daniel Flick clarified this. making it clear that Bates isn't attempting to utilize any leverage in a contract season but is actually working to get healthy. The star safety isn't expected to be sidelined long-term and is expected to return to the team in plenty of time to be ready to play meaningful snaps.
While it is good news that the Falcons aren't dealing with a contract dispute, it is easy to argue Bates should be attempting to utilize his leverage. The star defender is in the final year of his deal and has sat back and watched as the franchise has extended Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Matthew Bergeron.
Robinson is the only player in this group you can clearly argue is head and shoulders above the impact that the safety brings. There is no reasonable pundit debating that Pitts has been more important or contributed more to winning than Bates. With this in mind, it is fair to wonder if the safety is going to consider attempting to make a push for a contract decision.
Jessie Bates Remains Patient with Falcons Despite Obvious Contract Leverage
While Atlanta has shuffled through head coaches and quarterbacks, one of the few truly bright spots on the team has been Bates. The star safety plays with a level of ferocity that creates turnovers and helps wipe away mistakes, giving the Falcons a far better chance of winning each Sunday. It is the type of impact that clearly could be leveraged in a contract season. This is especially the case when Atlanta's front office has been so willing to shell out high dollar extensions to players who have had objectively less impact.
Still, it doesn't come as a surprise that this isn't the reason Bates currently isn't on the practice field. Dealing with an injury makes far more sense for a veteran leader who is focused on preparing for the season ahead and appears content to let the contract concerns take care of themselves.
If this is the road the Falcons are going to walk, they are taking an undeniable risk by allowing Bates to near free agency. Losing such a key piece in Jeff Ulbrich's defense should be at the top of current concerns, with Bates having every reason to hold out and instead remain focused on preparing for the season ahead.
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