UFL and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates has been taking the world by storm this season, with the Arkansas product in the midst of what can only be called a special campaign — and teams like the Detroit Lions appear to be interested.
Bates, who is coming off a 5-for-5 performance on Sunday that included a game-winner and yet another field goal over 60 yards, has knocked through a total of three 60-yarders this season to go along with a pair from 50-plus.
He’s 12-for-14 overall, with 11 of those field goals coming at Ford Field, where his 64-yarder was the second-longest in the venues history, behind only Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder in 2021.
What makes Bates’ season more astounding is the fact that he did not kick a single field goal in college, instead serving as a kickoff specialist. Prior to his UFL stint, the last field goal he made was in high school.
So, why haven’t the Lions or another team already snatched him up? Well, it’s because he’s under contract and the rule stipulates that he cannot have contact with NFL teams while under said contract.
Not only can NFL teams not contact Bates directly, they are also not allowed to talk to his agent about him. The only semblance of communication allowed currently is between the Panthers and any interested party.
“That’s not true, I can’t talk to them,” Bates said of the rumors that he’s talked to teams. “I don’t know where that comes from, but no, I can’t. I guess we’re under contract, we can’t talk to anybody. So, that’ll come in the future, hopefully, but that’s not happening right now.”
The Lions have a clear need for more competition with kicker Michael Badgley, who is no stranger to struggles and getting cut by the team. Detroit brought in kicker James Turner as an undrafted free agent recently to possibly provide competition, but that should not deter them from signing Bates when he’s available.
