The Green Bay Packers are among the teams interested in hosting UFL kicker Jake Bates for a visit, according to Aaron Wilson. Bates had a successful regular season with the Michigan Panthers in which he made 17 out of 22 field goals. His impressive stats included connecting on 11 out of 12 kicks between 20 and 49 yards, as well as making 6 out of 10 attempts from at least 50 yards, with a long kick of 64 yards. In the postseason, Bates made 4 out of 6 kicks and was named an All-UFL kicker for the following year.
The Packers currently have a competition at kicker, with Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, and Jack Podlesny vying for the position. If Bates were to visit the Packers, it could potentially lead to the release of one of the three kickers to make room for Bates in the lineup before training camp. In addition to the Packers, other teams including the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens have also expressed interest in hosting Bates for a visit.
Bates specialized as a kickoff specialist during his collegiate career at Texas State and Arkansas and has a background in soccer. If he were to join the Packers, he would bring his impressive field goal record and unique background to the team’s roster.