Kicker Jake Bates will be staying close to home for his next job after spending the 2024 spring season with the Michigan Panthers. Reports indicate that Bates will be signing with the Lions next week. During his time with the Panthers, Bates impressed by making three field goals of 60 yards or longer, with a long of 64 yards. His success rate for the season was 77.3 percent, making 17 of 22 field goals.
One of Bates’ standout moments was a 64-yard game-winning kick in Week 1 at Ford Field against St. Louis. All three of his 60-plus yard kicks were made at the Lions’ home stadium. The Lions currently have two kickers on their roster, Michael Badgley and James Turner. Badgley had a perfect record last season, going four-for-four in field goals and 24-for-26 in extra points during seven games. He also went 14-for-14 on all kicks in the postseason.
