The Lions signed Bates to a two-year deal in mid-June after the powerful kicker finished a successful season with the UFL's Michigan Panthers. In the spring league, Bates connected on a 64-yard field goal, 2 yards shy of the NFL record, on his first ever field goal attempt in a game and then hit two more 60-yard kicks during the remainder of the season. He was 6 for 10 from 50-plus and had just one miss on his other 12 attempts during the regular season but went just 4 for 6 in the UFL playoffs. He was expected to compete with Michael Badgley for the Lions' kicking job but the incumbent suffered a season-ending injury during the first week of camp. The Lions have a high-powered offense, so Bates could get plenty of scoring chances if he can hold off any other competition the team brings in, making him a potentially attractive Fantasy asset during the year.
Lions' Jake Bates: Hits field goal in preseason opener
Rotowire
Bates made his only field-goal attempt in Thursday's 14-3 loss to the Giants.
Bates was able to capitalize on his only opportunity Thursday, nailing a 53-yard field goal to give the Lions an early 3-0 lead. The 25-year-old signed with Detroit in June, and he appears to be the featured kicker with the team in 2024 after expected starter Michael Badgley (hamstring) suffered a season-ending injury.
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Lions' Jake Bates: Officially signs with Detroit
Rotowire
Bates officially signed a two-year contract with the Lions on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Presumably the contract is structured in such a way that the Lions could move on during training camp if Bates isn't able to replicate his trademark leg strength throughout the preseason, but the two-year deal is notable because NFL vagabonds Michael Badgley and James Turner are also on the roster. The Lions will hope Bates can replicate the success of spring football sensation Brandon Aubrey, who parlayed an excellent performance in the USFL into a record-setting rookie campaign with the Cowboys in 2023. Potentially playing in the comfy confines of Ford Field and being situated in a high-powered Detroit offense, Bates could be an immediate fantasy difference maker.
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Texans' Jake Bates: Signs with Houston
Rotowire
The Texans signed Bates on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Bates worked out for the Texans on Saturday as part of the team's local prospect day and impressed enough to earn a deal. The Arkansas product will attempt to push Ka'imi Fairbairn, who has been Houston's kicker since 2017 and connected on 94 percent of his field-goal attempts a year ago.
