Lions Lock in Kicker Jake Bates for 2026

0:00This is Corey with NFL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Detroit Lions have tender kicker Jake Bates a qualifying offer as an exclusive rights-free agent. This locks him in for the 2026 season on a one-year minimum salary deal with no bargaining power for him. Bates joined the Lions in 2024 after starring for the Michigan Panthers in the U.F.L. In his first season, he made 26 of 29 field goals and set a franchise record with 142 points. He followed that up last year with 27 of 34 field goals and strong extra point kicking. Early in his career, he nailed 19 straight field goals, including a 59 yada against the Giants. Lions Specialteens coach Dave Fipp raves about Bates as a tremendous talent with one of the league's strongest legs. He came from an unusual path, never attempting a college field goal and even selling bricks before pro ball. Meanwhile, the Lions have made similar moves with other exclusive rights-free agents like

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