Jessie Bates III will join the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Atlanta Falcons agreed to trade the safety in exchange for two future NFL draft picks. The Falcons will receive a second-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2028, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday. The trade has not been officially announced by either team.
Bates, 29, recorded a season-high 14 tackles during the Falcons’ 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on Sunday. Atlanta has struggled this season under first-year coach Kevin Stefanski, losing four of their last five games and sitting at 3-6, on course for their ninth consecutive losing season. Despite the team’s difficulties, Bates has been a standout player, compiling 60 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and a 36-yard touchdown return on a fumble recovery this season.
Before Atlanta, Bates spent five of his nine NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made 28 interceptions and caused 14 forced fumbles. His reputation as a reliable safety made him a notable name in trade talks leading up to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
The Jaguars, by contrast, have enjoyed a strong start to the season. Sitting at 6-2, Jacksonville is contending for the top playoff spot in the AFC, having won five of their last six games. Their latest victory came on Thursday night with a 33-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Jaguars are preparing to face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.
The Falcons are entering a phase focused on rebuilding and future assets. Acquiring two draft picks signals their intention to invest in the upcoming drafts, while the Jaguars add experience and depth to their secondary as they push for a playoff run.
AP Sports Writer Mark Long contributed to this report.
According to Yahoo Sports.
