One week after nailing one of the longest field goals in Ford Field history, Michigan Panthers kicker and potential Detroit Lions free-agent target Jake Bates is at it again.
Right before halftime of the Panthers’ Week 2 game against the Birmingham Stallions, Bates knocked through a 62-yard field goal to bring his team to within one score.
The field goal comes just one week after Bates crushed a 64-yard attempt to propel his team to a win over the St. Louis Battlehawks in the closing seconds of that contest.
He actually hit last week’s field goal twice, as the Battlehawks had iced him before making the second attempt. The successful kick was the second-longest in Ford Field history.
JAKE BATES THE GREAT… AGAIN! 🤩@jakebates30 nails a 62 yard FG before the half! #LetsHuntpic.twitter.com/zM1FbuXXDz
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 7, 2024
Because of his impressive work so far this season, the UFL kicker has reportedly drawn interest from multiple NFL teams, with the Detroit Lions being one of them.
The Lions currently have Michael Badgley under contract, but he’s the only kicker on the roster. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to bring in more competition, especially considering Badgley is someone the Lions have parted ways with before.
Bates, who previously had cups of coffee with the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will almost certainly get another shot in the NFL if he keeps this up.
