Story by Mike Moraitis
The latest on Detroit Lions’ pursuit of Jake Bates in NFL free agency© Provided by Sporting News
After news broke earlier in the day that the Detroit Lions requested a free-agent visit with UFL star and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates, we now have an update on where things stand between the two sides.
Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com reported that the Lions were one of four teams requesting a visit with Bates, along with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders.
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Now, Dave Birkett and Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press are reporting that the visit between Bates and the Lions took place on Tuesday and Bates is scheduled to meet with the other teams before he makes his decision. It isn’t clear exactly when those meetings will take place, though.
Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates visited the Lions, but did not work out, now that his UFL season is over. He is scheduled to visit the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers before making a decision on where to sign.
Detroit’s interest in Bates, who took the football world by storm after nailing several long field goals during the 2024 campaign, has been known for months now after it was reported back in March following Bates’ 64-yard make earlier in the season.
The Lions currently have a kicker competition between veteran Michael Badgley and undrafted rookie James Turner, who has gotten the better of Badgley on more than one occasion this offseason.Lions reportedly request workout with Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates
Adding Bates to the competition makes sense, given the relative uncertainty both Lions kickers bring, and with Detroit’s desire to have a kicker who can make long field goals, something Badgley has struggled with.
But clearly this isn’t an open-and-shut situation for Detroit thanks to the competition from at least three other teams.
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