Michigan Panthers kicker and star Jake Bates has been all the rage during the 2024 United Football League season, and rightly so, as the Arkansas product has been drilling ridiculously long field goals throughout the campaign.
Bates, who is 15-of-18 overall this season, has nailed a whopping six field goals from 50-plus yards, with three of those makes coming from 60 or more. One of his makes from 60-plus was a 64-yarder at Ford Field that was the second-longest field goal in the venue's history.
Bates has reportedly drawn interest from multiple NFL teams, with the Detroit Lions being among them. However, he can't talk to or sign with a team until the UFL season is over.
Prior to the first open session of Lions OTAs Thursday, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp was asked about the impressive young kicker. Fipp didn't want to into specifics but is very aware of what Bates is doing.
Fipp on Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates: "I'm not going to go into any specifics on individual player."
— Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) May 23, 2024
Says he's aware of Bates' story and he's happy for him.
The Lions could use more options at kicker. The current favorite for the job, Michael Badgley, has already had one unsuccessful stint in Detroit and his primary source of competition is an undrafted free agent, James Turner out of Michigan.
MORE: Jake Bates drills 70-yarder
Fipp also touched on both of his current kickers, noting that Turner and Badgley have shown impressive leg strength so far.
Fipp said Michigan kicker James Turner has huge leg strength even if he didn't get a chance to show it in college. Fipp also notes Badgley has showed improved leg strength this offseason, working hard to extend his range.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 23, 2024
Bates should be on the Lions' radar once he's able to talk with teams following the 2024 UFL season. But they're definitely going to have some competition for him.
MORE: Lions injury updates from OTAs
