The Detroit Lions have reportedly requested to work out UFL kicker Jake Bates.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Detroit Lions are one of several teams who have requested to work out UFL kicker Jake Bates . The other teams are the Commanders, Packers , and Ravens, per Wilson.
UPDATE: Per Dave Birkett, Bates actually met with the Lions on Tuesday , but it was not a formal workout
Bates was a sensation in his first season with the Michigan Panthers. Kicking in the Lions’ home of Ford Field, Bates’ long leg got notoriety after booting a game-winning 64-yard field goal in the season opener. Since then, he has continued a strong regular season, making 17-of-22 field goals and being named All-UFL for the 2024 season. His only misses on the season were from 39, 51, 53, 58 and 62.
The Lions reportedly inquired about Bates earlier this season , and it appears that interest has carried over for the past two months.
If the Lions were to sign Bates, he’d enter a kicker competition that heated up over spring practices. Incumbent Michael Badgley added some extra power to his kick, but he performed inconsistently during situational drills. Undrafted rookie kicker James Turner impressed with a noticeably stronger leg and some more consistency during team drills.
“(Badgley) has worked hard on bringing his range out maybe a little bit further than it’s been and has looked good doing it. So I’m excited about him,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said earlier this spring. “James (Turner), on the other hand, has got a huge leg. I know doesn’t hit a million long balls, but he has plenty of leg in him. Very, very good. Much better than average. So, anyway, he’s very encouraging.”
On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers were booted out of the UFL playoffs after losing to the Birmingham Stallions 31-18. In that game, Bates went 4-of-6 with misses from 44 and 51 (the 44-yard kick was blocked).