The excitement of the off-season is beginning to rachet up! Paul and Jay discuss Jessie Bates being franchise-tagged by the Bengals. Why couldn't both sides reach a long-term agreement? Will this impact Cincinnati's chances of signing Bates to a multi-year deal? PDJ and JM invite you to join them in The Athletic's 'pick your own adventure' activity. The interactive exercise allows you to determine the Bengals off-season; who to sign or re-sign in FA, how to handle Cincy's draft, and more! The pair confab over their experimental off-season decisions, and discuss if there's any chance of their choices coming to pass in real life. Plus, the guys preview free agency. Rundown: (5:00) Jessie Bates franchise-tagged (23:00) Pick your own adventure! (32:00) TE options (37:00) Who would the Bengals break the bank for? (49:30) FA on defense Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/hearthatpodcastgrowlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices