Bengals likely to lose top 10 free agent

The Bengals have four players on NFL.com's top 101 free agents list, and they are likely to lose their top ranked player in free agency.

Safety Jessie Bates ranks as the No. 9 free agent of 2023 and is "likely out of Cincinnati," Gregg Rosenthal writes.

Bates played on the franchise tag in 2022 after the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on a new deal last offseason. And the Bengals drafted his likely replacement in Daxton Hill with their first round pick in last year's draft.

The 26-year-old made sure to grow his market value this season, posting a career-high four interceptions along with 71 tackles, one forced fumble and eight passes defensed.

He is projected to receive a four-year, $56.26 million contract, according to Spotrac. With Cincinnati gearing up to pay QB Joe Burrow, Bates will likely be out of the team's price range.

However, there is nothing but love for Bates as he begins to look for his new home.