When the Detroit Lions signed Jake Bates recently, it was reported to be a two-year deal, which led some to believe that showed a commitment to the former UFL and Michigan Panthers kicker to be the team's starter moving forward.
However, the length of NFL contracts can never be used as the measuring stick for how committed a team is to a player. Instead, you always have to look at the amount of guaranteed money.
Well, now we have the numbers for Bates' contract. According to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com, the Lions are giving Bates a two-year deal worth $1.98 million, with a $100,000 signing bonus and $150,000 total guaranteed.
The contract carries base salaries of $795,000 in 2024 — with $50,000 of that being guaranteed — and $960,000 in 2025. The annual average of the deal works out to $990,000.
Jake Bates signs two-year, $1.98 million contract with #Lions that includes a $100,000 signing bonus and $150,000 total guaranteed, per sources.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 18, 2024
An All-UFL selection with @USFLPanthers kicker has base salaries of $795,000 and $960,000 with $50,000 of his first-year salary…
To compare, Lions undrafted free-agent kicker James Turner is averaging $944,166 over the course of his three-year deal, and veteran kicker Michael Badgley has more guaranteed on his contract ($425,000) than Bates does, per Over the Cap.
What this means is that Bates is no lock to make the roster and he can be cut without missing a beat financially. This will be a true competition between the three kickers, and may the best man win.
