Bengals News (7/13): Jessie Bates sends a message

Bengals News

Bengals' Jessie Bates shares message ahead of Friday's deadline: 'Stay down. Stay grounded'
The franchise tag for safeties sits at $12.9 million, well below the $18.24 million per season that Pittsburgh Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick recently signed for on an extension. Mike Garafolo reported last week there was little optimism that the Bengals were willing to bridge that gap on an extension with Bates.

Jessie Bates, Chiefs OT Orlando Brown, Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki, Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz enter last week to sign extensions
With the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals looming on Friday, July 15 at 4 pm ET, and four players left seeking contract extensions, the sleepiest summer days of the NFL calendar could awaken.

Joe Burrow training with Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson
Burrow made it clear he has a few trips planned this summer during his team’s six-week break before training camp.

Cincinnati Bengals apply for sports-betting license
State officials estimate Ohio sports betting will be a $1 billion industry in its first year, growing to $3.35 billion within a few years. But analysts have predicted Ohio could grow to between $8 billion and $12 billion because of its industry friendly approach.

NFL News

GM Scott Fitterer - Carolina Panthers to have 'open competition' between Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold to be starting QB
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold will have an open competition to start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, general manager Scott Fitterer said Tuesday.

Officials say former Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber III died of heat stroke
Former Cowboys and Bears running back Marion Barber III died of heat stroke, police said Monday.

Ex-Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions coach Gary Moeller dies at 81
Gary Moeller, who succeeded Bo Schembechler as Michigan's coach and later led the Detroit Lions, died Monday. He was 81.

Will the Texans end up with Jimmy Garoppolo?
It’s a hunch. A loose reading of tea leaves that may not even be tea leaves. A connecting of fairly obvious dots. An application of Occam’s razor to Lovie Smith’s beard.

Rob Gronkowski insists he’s ‘done with football’ even if Tom Brady calls
Not many people believe Rob Gronkowski is 100 percent done with football. But the future Hall of Fame tight end insisted he’s staying retired even if Tom Brady eventually gives him a call.