The time has finally come: UFL star and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates can finally visit with NFL teams, and the Detroit Lions are reportedly among those that are interested in the standout kicker.
According to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com, the Lions are one of at least four teams who have requested to host Bates on a free-agent visit, along with the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.
Bates exploded in popularity during the 2024 UFL season after crushing several long field goals, including a whopping three from 60-plus and a total of seven from 50-plus when you include the playoffs. As a result of his impressive showing, Bates immediately caught the eye of NFL teams.
#Commanders #Packers #Lions #Ravens have requested to host @USFLPanthers all-conference kicker Jake Bates for visits, per a league source. It's a competitive situation for strong-legged kicker, a former #Texans preseason roster member and @TomballISD graduate @RazorbackFB @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 11, 2024
Ultimately, Bates finished the regular season 17-of-22 but missed three of his last five field goals over the final three contests. He then went 4-of-6 in the Panthers' playoff loss to the Birmingham Stallions this past weekend while also booting a kickoff out of bounds that the Stallions turned into points.
Also in that game, Bates appeared to suffer a foot injury on a block field goal. It isn't clear if that will hinder his ability to work out for teams, so that's something to keep an eye on.
The Lions currently have a kicker competition between veteran Michael Badgley and undrafted free agent James Turner, and the latter has been giving the former a run for his money. It certainly wouldn't hurt to add Bates to the competition.
