Kicker Jake Bates is officially back for the Detroit Lions.
The team announced on social media Wednesday afternoon that Bates signed his 2026 contract.
In two seasons with the Lions, Bates has become a top kicker. He displays tremendous leg power and above average accuracy.
Over the past two seasons, he has led the NFL in extra-points made.
His contract value was not included in the team’s announcement Wednesday. But Bates’s 2026 contract was previously reported to be worth $1.075 million.
Lions Kicker Jake Bates Signs ERFA Tender
Bates entered this offseason as an exclusive-rights free agent. Players who don’t have contracts and under three years of service time are that type of free agent (ERFAs).
Without a contract beyond 2025, Bates fit that description. His first season in the NFL was 2024.
The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett reported on March 4, the Lions placed the ERFA tender on Bates. That left Bates few options outside of signing his deal to play one more season for Detroit.
That’s officially what the kicker elected to do Wednesday.
With Bates re-signed, the Lions don’t have any remaining questions at speciality positions for 2026.
Now in addition to Bates, punter Jack Fox and long snapper Hogan Hatten are under contract for next season. Fox is entering the final season of his 4-year, $14.065 million deal.
Hatten possesses the same base salary ($1.075 million) as Bates.
While the Lions have certainty at key positions on special teams this year, the team doesn’t have a kicker, punter or long snapper signed after 2026. Bates and Hatten will become restricted free agents next season. Fox will be an unrestricted free agent.
As a restricted free agent, Bates will have an easier time trying to play for a new team in 2027. But the Lions will still possess the right to match any offer the kicker might receive in free agency.
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