Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lions Lock in Kicker Jake Bates with $1.075M Deal

3/5/2026

41 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Detroit Lions tendered kicker Jake Bates (the Lions' exclusive rights free agent) a 2026 one-year deal worth about $1.075 million, preventing negotiations with other teams.
Bates has an 84.1% field goal rate over his first two seasons.
In 2025, Bates posted 79.4% accuracy, with all kicks from 39 yards or closer successful.
The Lions signed three other exclusive rights free agents this offseason.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced its current free agency system on March 1, 1993, establishing exclusive rights free agency, which limits player negotiation power. This system allows teams like the Detroit Lions to retain players such as kicker Jake Bates, who boasts an 84.1% field goal rate, by offering one-year contracts, reflecting a strategic approach to managing salary caps and securing key talent.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Detroit Lions tendered kicker Jake Bates (the Lions' exclusive rights free agent) a 2026 one-year deal worth about $1.075 million, preventing negotiations with other teams.
Bates has an 84.1% field goal rate over his first two seasons.
In 2025, Bates posted 79.4% accuracy, with all kicks from 39 yards or closer successful.
The Lions signed three other exclusive rights free agents this offseason.

1 / 2