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The Detroit Lions swapped kickers on Tuesday.
Two days after the UFL season, the Lions signed Jake Bates. In a corresponding move, they waived James Turner.
Bates quickly became a breakout star when converting a game-winning 64-yard field goal for the Michigan Panthers. It was his first attempt in a game since high school.
The former college soccer player, who also specialized in kickoffs at Texas State and Arkansas, made a 62-yarder the following week.
Bates made 17 of 22 field goals for the Panthers, converting five kicks of at least 50 yards and all seven tries from 40-49 yards. He visited the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders before joining Detroit on a two-year, $1.98 million deal with $150,000 guaranteed, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter .
The Lions made room for Bates by waiving Turner. After four seasons at Louisville, he spent the 2023 season kicking for an undefeated Michigan Wolverines squad.
Turner made 65 of 66 extra points and 18 of 21 field goals. He drained three field goals from 37, 38, and 50 yards in a 30-24 victory over Ohio State and all six kicks (four extra points, 31 and 38-yard field goals) in the National Championship Game.
Detroit signed Turner as an undrafted free agent. He would have entered training camp in a job battle with Michael Badgley, who replaced Riley Patterson last December.
Badgley made all 11 extra points and three field goals during Detroit’s three postseason games.
Related: Video: UFL Kicker Drills Impressive 62-Yard Field Goal Sunday