The Cincinnati Bengals face a haunting reminder of their decision to let safety Jessie Bates walk in free agency, a move that has potential long-term repercussions. Drafting Dax Hill to fill Bates' shoes has not panned out as anticipated; Hill has transitioned to cornerback, while Bates continues to thrive as a premier safety, recently ranked as the fourth best in the league. Bates’ impressive two-year total of 234 tackles demonstrates his evolution into a more complete player, addressing previous criticisms of physicality. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has openly criticized the team's tendency to part ways with valuable players, expressing dissatisfaction over the organization’s decisions.

As the Bengals look ahead, they must confront the reality that they may have repeated past mistakes reminiscent of the Andrew Whitworth debacle. With Bates still in his prime at 28 years old and proving his worth on the field, the Bengals' front office now faces scrutiny and growing doubt from fans and analysts alike.