The Michigan Panthers’ Jake Bates is a talented kicker who is still deserving of a chance, and the Detroit Lions need help at that position.
After the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have made some clear progress, but there is still a huge hole.

This offseason’s upgrades at the kicker position have not been satisfactory. Although Michael Badgley was re-signed, the Lions made no further draft moves. James Turner, a former Michigan kicker, was signed as an undrafted free agent, but it’s obvious that this didn’t solve Detroit’s most pressing personnel problem.

Jake Bates, a standout UFL player for the Michigan Panthers, is one example of a solution that keeps appearing close to home. Bates demonstrated his powerful leg once more this past weekend at Ford Field by blasting a 60-yard field goal through the uprights.

And if that wasn’t enough, Bates proved he could remain composed under duress by booting the Panthers’ game-winning 42-yard field goal.

Bates finished the game with an outstanding 5-5 overall. Bates is demonstrating that he is almost automatic, both up close and at a distance. Bates has blasted kicks for the Panthers from 64, 62, 60, 55, and 52 yards only this season.

The Lions need to move fast when the time is ripe to get Jake Bates.
It’s obvious that Bates will be contacted by NFL teams after a few months of outstanding play. The NFL is having problems with field goals, but Bates has demonstrated that he possesses the accuracy and distance that teams will want.

The UFL season ends on June 17, which is the day after the league championship game, so the Lions and any other interested teams will have to wait until then to sign Bates. Their close proximity should enable them to make him an early offer, if not the first one. They can’t let an offer come in lower than theirs, and perhaps he will want to remain in Detroit.

With no other options, Badgley is currently exclusively the kicker by default. His weaknesses at longer range (particularly outdoors) could potentially affect in-game tactics at critical junctures in crucial games. After Badgley was signed, Brad Holmes promised him competition. However, Turner was signed, who may not have even been the best UDFA.

Obviously, Bates will need to step up and unseat Badgley if the Lions are still interested in him and have the means to get him. However, he might provide the Lions a kicker that they haven’t had since Matt Prater and Jason Hanson.

As the weeks go by, Bakes continues to show he could be the missing piece for the Lions next season.