Bengals' Jessie Bates is ready to show he's a top safety in the NFL

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Bengals safety Jessie Bates said playing under the franchise tag this season will give him a chance to show NFL teams — including his current one — what he is worth.

The 25-year old Bates reported to training camp on Tuesday and signed a one-year contract for $12.9 million after staying away amid the contract dispute. He said he loves the game too much to sit out for the season, which was his other option.

"I’m looking at this as an opportunity to prove I’m one of the best safeties in the league," he said in his first public comments Wednesday.

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FILE - Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III walks on the field before the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. Bates, who has been in a contract dispute with the team, reported to camp Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, and signed a one-year contract with the franchise tag. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)

"I just thought it would be a good time for me to come back a week before the preseason (ends) to be able to start building relationships with guys that just got here, guys that are gonna be making the team these next couple weeks," he said.

Asked why he wasn’t able to reach a long-term deal with the Bengals, Bates said "that’s not my question to answer. It’s a great opportunity for me to present who I am and what I’m about to this franchise and other teams as well."

Negotiations stop now, but he’ll be free to negotiate after the season with the Bengals and any other team.

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