Jake Bates Re-signed by Detroit Lions

0:00On March 25, the Detroit Lions have officially resigned kicker Jake Bates for the 2026 season. They placed an exclusive rights free agent tender on him a few weeks back, and on Wednesday, he signed the one-year deal worth $1 million, $75,000 at the veteran minimum. This tender gave Bates just two choices, except the contract or missed the whole season. Since he has fewer than three accrued NFL seasons, the Lions could lock him in without negotiations, keeping their reliable kicker in the fold. Bates joined the Lions in 2024 on a two-year deal worth $1.98 million. He's shown met first year, hitting 26 of 29 field goals, including 6 of 8 from 50 yards or longer, and even with a dip in. 2025 to 27 of 34, special teams coach Dave Fipp back to him all season long. Bates also nailed 54-56 extra points last year, stayed sharp on kick-offs under new rules

1:00and never missed in big moments. That consistency has earned him another shot with the team. Now locked in for next year, Bates can focus on building his game and eyeing bigger paydays down the road as his experience grows. This has been NFL News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.