DETROIT – The Detroit Lions have secured the services of Jake Bates, a seasoned kicker from the Michigan Panthers, in a two-year deal.
In a strategic move, the Lions announced on Tuesday (June 18) that they had signed Bates to fill the much-needed position.
The decision, made in the face of numerous challenges that the Lions encountered during its resurgence last season, is a clear testament to its unwavering commitment to strengthening its special teams unit.
Head coach Dan Campbell made many tough decisions throughout the season, including going for it on fourth down or playing the field game by punting, as faith in the kicker position was put on full display.
In week one, Bates broke into the United Football League after nailing a 64-yard game-winning field goal against the St. Louis Battlehawks inside Ford Field.
During the UFL season, Bates was seen as dependable from deep, as he converted seven of 11 field goals from 50 or more yards, and he went three of four from 60 or more yards for the Panthers.
Bates finished the season converting 17 of 22, and his longest field goal, 64 yards, was the longest in the UFL.
Bates earned All-UFL honors following the season for his kicking efforts.
The newly signed Lions kicker kicked two game-winning field goals and tallied five games with multiple field goals in each, but he made his name when he went five for five, including a 42-yard game-winner against the Arlington Renegades in week six.
--> Schedule breakdown: Lions get 5 primetime games, open vs. Stafford at Ford Field
