The Cincinnati Bengals committed a major gaffe years ago by letting Jessie Bates slip away in free agency. 

Now, with the Bengals trade-happy, in win-now mode and the trade deadline approaching, it’s important to point out that Bates might be a name to watch over the next few weeks. 

Just ask ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who recently wrote that the struggling Atlanta Falcons might find good value if they decide to let go of the upcoming free agent. 

"Also, could a team pry safety Jessie Bates III out of Atlanta? He will be a free agent in 2027, and the Falcons are sitting at 2-4,” Fowler wrote. “I doubt Atlanta wants to trade him, but his value would be strong if that changes."

The Bengals have spent years upon years trying to recover from the Bates mistake, working in names like Dax Hill, Geno Stone and others at the spot in an attempt to make the scheme work across multiple coordinators. 

Now 29 years old and soon to be a free agent, Bates is still playing at an extremely high level and would cost quite a bit via trade. 

The Bengals spent big on Bryan Cook and added free agent Kyle Dugger as high-quality depth while maintaining belief in Jordan Battle as a starter. All three, though, have struggled with various levels of injuries already this year. 

Duke Tobin and the Bengals coughing up nearly enough to get Bates back in the fold for a run at the playoffs seems highly unlikely for loads of reasons, but as a disclaimer, the Dexter Lawrence trade once seemed impossible, too.