Commanders TE John Bates talks to the media following his contract extension

Bates cuts his mullet!

Today, John Bates, fresh off of a new haircut, spoke with the Washington sports media after signing his 3-year extension, unofficially reported to be worth $21m.

Not unexpectedly, Bates said that he had wanted to stay in Washington and added that he is “thrilled for his family” and himself.

He, of course, trotted out the “super excited” description for Adam Peters’ early free agency moves.

John Bates was drafted in the same year as Sam Cosmi, and he spoke to how nice it is for both of them to be under contract together.

Earlier today, Zach Ertz described Bates as ‘the best blocking TE’ he’s ever seen. Talking about Ertz, Bates said that last year was the most fun he’d had playing football since high school, saying that the tight end room was a big part of the reason for that.

Unsurprisingly, Bates spoke positively about the future and about his coaches before ending his brief press conference.

(Hang till the very end to hear Nicki Jhabvala exclaim in surprise that John’s mullet has disappeared)