According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Detroit Lions, along with the Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens, are all interested in examining kicker Jake Bates as a potential addition to their squad.
Jake Bates’ Standout Season with the Michigan Panthers
Bates had a huge impact during his excellent first season with the Michigan Panthers, who share Ford Field with the Lions. Bates began the season with a spectacular 64-yard game-winning field goal and continued to thrive, converting 17 of his 22 field goals. His performance earned him All-UFL accolades, with the majority of his misses coming on longer tries, highlighting his powerful leg, which has piqued the interest of numerous NFL teams.
Lions’ Current Kicker Competition
The Lions’ interest in Bates adds a fresh dimension to their current kicker rivalry. The team is currently analyzing both incumbent kicker Michael Badgley and undrafted rookie James Turner. Dave Fipp, the Lions’ special teams coordinator, was pleased with both players during recent team drills. Badgley has been focusing on increasing his range, and Turner has impressed with his powerful and consistent kicking.
“Badgley has worked hard to extend his range slightly further than it has been and has looked terrific doing so. So I’m excited about him,” Fipp stated. “Turner, on the other hand, has a large leg. I know he doesn’t hit a lot of long balls, but he has plenty of leg. Very good. Significantly better than average. So he’s extremely encouraging.”
In the recent UFL playoffs, Bates displayed his ability by making four of six field goal attempts for the Panthers, despite a 44-yard kick being blocked. The Panthers eventually fell 31-18 against the Birmingham Stallions, but Bates’ performance cemented his reputation as a consistent kicker with long range. Lions seriously consider Bates. The Lions have been closely tracking Bates’ progress, and their curiosity signals that they are seriously contemplating adding him to their special teams squad. As they evaluate their current kicker possibilities, Bates’ strong leg and successful season with the Panthers make him an appealing possibility for improving their kicking game.
