As he continues to take the football world by storm in 2024, it comes as no surprise that UFL star and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates has drawn interest from NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions.
Not only has Bates made 15-of-18 field goal attempts this year, he's also nailed a grand total of six from 50-plus, and three of those have come from 60 or more. He also nailed a 70-yarder in practice recently, another shining example of Bates' special leg strength.
His teammate, quarterback Danny Etling, recently joked that all the offense has to do is get the ball to the 50-yard line and the Panthers are going to score, and he isn't far off.
While Bates has the eye of NFL teams, he isn't allowed to even talk to them for now because he's under contract. Instead, he has to wait until the end of the season, which comes after the UFL Championship Game on June 16.
Bates recently told Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com that not being able to speak to teams has been a good thing because it allows him to focus on the task at hand.
“I think it’s super important to keep the main thing the main thing,” he said. “The main thing is being a Michigan Panther. Luckily, the NFL teams aren’t allowed to talk to me. It’s a blessing in disguise and not what I need to be worried about at all. Obviously, that’s the end goal for everybody. The big goal is to win a championship with the Panthers. The team is clicking right and do my small job.”
Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp was recently asked about Bates but wouldn't go into specifics on the kicker, only saying he was aware and happy for him.
“Yeah, I’ve seen him. I’m not going to go into specifics on any individual player, but obviously, I’m happy for the kid,” Fipp said. “He’s having a great year, and from what I understand, it’s a pretty cool story. I mean, he is like a backup kicker, kickoff specialist, and got a chance to do it and made the most of it, it sounds like.”
Fipp went on to praise both of the kickers the Lions have on their roster, Michael Badgley and James Turner. However, the fact is both are not sure things and the Lions should continue looking for more options for the competition.
Bates would be a perfect add-on and someone the team should definitely consider once he's available.
