Lions set to sign UFL kicker Jake Bates

Reports from multiple outlets on Saturday indicate that the Detroit Lions are set to sign UFL kicker Jake Bates to a two-year deal. Bates is eligible to be signed as early as Tuesday, according to UFL regulations. During the spring, he was with the Michigan Panthers where he successfully made 21 out of 28 field goals, including a 64-yard kick and two others that were at least 60 yards. While Bates also had meetings with the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers, he ultimately decided to remain in Detroit, where he previously kicked at Ford Field for the Panthers. Currently, the Lions have veteran kicker Michael Badgley and James Turner, an undrafted rookie who played at Michigan, competing for the kicker position. Badgley, who will turn 29 next month, has had stints with five different teams and has spent time with the Lions over the past two seasons. In his 16 regular-season games with Detroit, Badgley has successfully completed 24 out of 28 field goal attempts, with a longest kick of 53 yards. It is anticipated that the Lions will retain at least one kicker on the practice squad. Bates, who is 25 years old, played his final collegiate season in 2022 at Arkansas, where he served as a kickoff specialist and did not have any field goal attempts. He was recognized as a member of the All-SEC first team after leading the conference with an average of 64.47 yards per kickoff. –Field Level Media