The Detroit Lions have signed Jake Bates, a renowned kicker in the United Football League (UFL), to a two-year contract. His agent, Marty Magid, confirmed the news on Saturday, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jake Bates, 24, began his professional football career with the Houston Texans, signing on July 31, 2023, after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Texans was limited, as he was released only 12 days later, on August 12, 2023. Bates’ career took a big turn when he signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League in December 2023. Bates soon rose to prominence after establishing a UFL record with a spectacular 64-yard game-winning field goal against the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2024 season opener. This remarkable kick was only two yards short of Justin Tucker’s NFL record of 66 yards.
Jake Bates’ College Transition and Performance in Arkansas
Jake Bates began his professional career as a kickoff specialist at Texas State (2020-21) before heading to Arkansas in 2022. During his first season at Arkansas, Bates demonstrated his talent by averaging 64.5 yards per kick, confirming his reputation as a formidable kicker.
Impressive UFL Season Highlights Jake Bates’s Potential
Jake Bates exhibited outstanding skill during the 2024 UFL season, completing 17 of 22 field goal attempts, giving the Michigan Panthers a 77.2% success rate. His season was highlighted by numerous long-range kicks, including a 62-yard field goal against the Birmingham Stallions and a 60-yard field goal against the Arlington Renegades. His season’s highlight, a 64-yard field goal, is highlighted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s “Pro Football Today” exhibit. On June 5, Bates was chosen to the 2024 All-UFL Team in recognition of his great performance.
Competition Heats Up in the Lions’ Kicking Roster With Jake Bates joining the Detroit Lions, the team is poised for an exciting competition in their kicking roster. Last season, the Lions ranked 11th in the NFL in field goal percentage at 90.5%. Bates will now be competing for a spot against established kicker Michael Badgley and undrafted Michigan kicker James Turner. This new addition to the Lions’ roster could bring a dynamic change to their special teams and potentially improve their field goal statistics in the upcoming season.
