Jessie Bates III’s franchise tag saga concluded this week. While soccer’s king of the Queen City Brandon Vazquez got a contract extension. With timing playing a significant role in both developments.

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III is back at work after signing his franchise tag this week. Wrapping up a summer of quiet discontent between Bates and the Bengals front office. Bates did not participate in preseason activities amid a contract dispute. After the Bengals used the franchise tag for Bates earlier this year. Along with Bates and the Bengals not reaching an agreement on a long-term deal by a July 15th deadline. Bates is set to get roughly $13 million this year from the Bengals. Though his future with the team beyond this year is still in the air.

This sets the stage for a pivotal regular season for Bates. As he pursues a deal that he’s content with signing. Missing the preseason isn’t a massively costly move for Bates. Given the little time we’ve seen household name players play this preseason. While Joe Burrow missed time due to his appendectomy earlier this summer. Had that not been an issue, he probably wouldn’t have played more than a series per exhibition anyway.

The Bengals would’ve likely had rookie Dax Hill play safety for most of the preseason anyway. At the least to have him adjust to the NFL. The Bengals gave themselves a backup plan through drafting Hill. In case Bates goes elsewhere after this season. From the outside looking in, the Bengals and Bates seem to know what they’re doing here.

Bates returning this week is a shrewd move on his part. He’s returning for the most significant part of the preseason. The joint practices with and the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. I don’t see how he would benefit from missing those events. I also don’t get how Bates would benefit from willfully missing the regular season.

Particularly given the hype surrounding the Bengals heading into this season. If the Bengals have a great season and Bates is a key part of it. He could put himself in a good position heading into the next off-season. To get a lucrative deal to stay with the Bengals. Or a potentially bigger payday from another team. One that could even set a record for a safety. An important position that doesn’t get the hype that receivers and quarterbacks get.

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati made a deal to keep their biggest star in Cincinnati. Through giving Brandon Vazquez a contract extension through 2025 this week. Vazquez’s contract features a club option that could have him stay in Cincinnati for the 2026 season. This deal comes amid a breakout season for Vazquez and FC Cincinnati. The team is contending for their first MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.

Vazquez is a key part of helping FC Cincinnati contend. He has 15 goals and four assists so far this season. Leading the club in goals heading into Saturday’s home rivalry match against the Columbus Crew. Vazquez and Luciano Acosta represented FC Cincinnati in the MLS All-Star Game earlier this month. Becoming the club’s first players to take part in the All-Star Game. Vazquez is also being considered for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup roster. FC Cincinnati’s success so far this season helps Vazquez in those efforts.

All the buzz surrounding Vazquez and FCC gave the club incentives to get this deal done. While giving Vazquez an opportunity to capitalize on his and his teammates success. All sides involved in Vazquez and Bates’ contract negotiations are trying to strike while the iron is hot. Striving for deals that work in their respective best interests. Ultimately, Bates and Vazquez’s success is also their team’s success and vice versa. Cincinnati sports fans hope these mutually beneficial relationships will continue to benefit Cincinnati.