The Lions made a surprise splash by signing a UFL standout player to a two-year deal. But this move created a tough situation for the Commanders as they were also eyeing the kicker. But who exactly is this coveted player? 

Jake Bates is a professional football placekicker. Having finished the 2024 campaign (21 of 28 goals across the regular season and postseason), Bates is coming off a standout season in the UFL this year. However, his journey has been quite a roller-coaster ride!

From undrafted kicker to UFL star

Born on March 30, 2000, Bates participated in collegiate soccer for the Central Arkansas Bears (2018–2019). He then played football for the Texas State Bobcats (2020) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (2022). 

While his first four years were great, he went undrafted in the April 2023 draft. Later Bates signed a contract with the Houston Texans the same year in July. Mere months later, he landed with the Michigan Panthers—a league known for its extended kickoff distance (80 yards for a touchback). 

Cut to Week 1 of the 2024 UFL season, the placekicker landed a record-breaking 64-yard field goal against the Battlehawks. With a mere one-yard difference, Bates shattered Tom Dempsey‘s 43-year record-set in 1970. While this was a top-tier moment, it fell two yards short of Justin Tucker’s NFL record.  

As the UFL season progresses, perhaps Bates will get the opportunity to surpass Tucker. Currently, with the Lions, the Arkansas product has made a name for himself. While Bates is busy with the upcoming season’s prep, a certain team is in rough waters because of his contract with the Detroit team.

The Commanders in a kicker crisis after Bates heads to Lions

Following the release of veteran kicker Brandon McManus, the Commanders are in dire need of a kicker. Jake Bates even visited the Washington team as a potential replacement. Per reports, the Commanders were interested in the 24-year-old but the Ohio team succeeded in bagging Bates with a two-year deal, however the details are still under wraps.

After losing the UFL-kicker Commanders’ current options include journeyman Ramiz Ahmed (with no NFL experience in field goals and extra points), Lucas Havrisik (with 20 field goal attempts), and Andre Szmyt (from the UFL’s Battlehawks).

While the Commanders are still scrambling for a feasible replacement, Jake Bates will feature alongside rookies Michael Badgley and James Turner. The Detroit Lions are hoping that Bates can carry over his UFL success and contend for the starting position.