The Detroit Lions have secured a highly-coveted free agent, whom the Green Bay Packers are losing out on. In the forthcoming season, the Lions plan to add another player who can contribute to scoring points. Teams are getting ready for training camp next month by assembling their 90-man rosters after this week’s OTAs.
This summer, Anders Carlson is vying for his position.
At kicker, the Packers are engaged in a crucial positional duel. In his first season with the Packers, Anders Carlson had difficulties. To compete with Carlson for a roster place this offseason, the Packers added undrafted free agent Jack Podlesny and veteran Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph.
Jake Bates caught the attention of the Green Bay Packers.
When word got out that the Packers had asked to meet with UFL standout Jake Bates, they didn’t seem to be happy with those three. The Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers asked to meet with Bates this week, as was previously reported on WSH:
Bates was one of the Michigan Panthers’ best players this year. During the regular season, his field goal percentage was 17/22. It was 64 yards for his long. The Houston Texans signed the standout player from Arkansas in 2023, but he was cut during training camp the previous year.
During the Panthers’ 31-18 loss to the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday, Bates saw a lot of action. He made four of six field goals, including a 53-yarder. It was a kickoff error by Bates in the second quarter. After a score, he kicked the ball out of bounds, giving the Stallions possession at the 50-yard line. The following play would result in a touchdown for the Stallions.
Bates is soon to join with the Detroit Lions.
The Lions are expected to sign Bates the following week, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC:
When UFL players can officially sign on Tuesday, league sources indicate that Michigan Panthers outstanding kicker Jake Bates, a Tomball alumnus who was with the Texans during training camp last year, will likely sign with the Detroit Lions.
Three other NFL clubs expressed interest in Bates after he visited the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, and Lions, according to sources.
During training camp, Bates might have been a fantastic choice for the Packers. The Packers are obviously dissatisfied with what they’ve seen this spring and feel they need to upgrade at kicker from the previous campaign. We’ll see whether they try to sign a kicker before the preseason with more vigour.
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