Jake Bates may not get the headlines, but when the game is on the line, few kickers have been more clutch. Can Detroit’s quiet weapon take another step in 2026?
Before the season begins, most of the attention surrounding the Detroit Lions will be focused on star players, rookie standouts and key position battles. One player who is unlikely to generate many headlines, however, is kicker Jake Bates. While special teams rarely become a major talking point during training camp, Bates has quietly established himself as one of Detroit’s most reliable players over the past two seasons.
Bates first gained national attention before entering the NFL while playing in the UFL. During one memorable game, he drilled a 63-yard game-winning field goal, only to see it wiped away after the opposing coach called a timeout. Unfazed, Bates stepped up again and made the exact same kick to secure the victory. That powerful leg helped launch his NFL career, although consistency from long distance has remained an area for improvement.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bates earned an 85.1 field-goal grade during the 2025 season. He converted 27 of 34 field-goal attempts while leading the NFL with 54 made extra points, missing only two PATs all year.
His accuracy was excellent from short and intermediate distances. Bates finished 6 for 6 from 20-29 yards, 8 for 8 from 30-39 yards and 9 for 11 from 40-49 yards. His biggest struggle came from beyond 50 yards, where he connected on just 4 of 9 attempts. Still, he set a new career long with a 59-yard field goal.
One noticeable concern was his overall field-goal percentage, which dropped by more than 10 percentage points compared to his 2024 campaign. Even so, Bates once again proved he could deliver in pressure situations. In Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, he drilled a 42-yard field goal as time expired to give Detroit the victory.
Kickoffs remain the weakest part of Bates’ game. He ranked 33rd among 41 qualified kickers in kickoff grading, and opponents averaged a starting field position around the 30-yard line. Those numbers leave room for improvement, especially as touchback rules continue to evolve.
Ironically, Bates was even better during his rookie season in 2024. He earned a 91.0 field-goal grade from PFF, ranking fourth among NFL kickers. He converted 89.7% of his field-goal attempts, including 6 of 8 from 50 yards or longer, while making 95.5% of his extra points.
His clutch performances quickly became part of his reputation. In the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Bates connected on a 32-yard field goal to force overtime before Detroit secured the win. Later that season against the Houston Texans, he tied the game with a 58-yard field goal before drilling a 52-yard game-winner as time expired. He also beat the Green Bay Packers with a walk-off 35-yard field goal.
Overall, Bates has developed into one of the league’s more dependable kickers. He has been nearly automatic on extra points and has consistently delivered in the biggest moments, converting all five of his career game-tying or game-winning field-goal attempts. While his long-range accuracy and kickoff production still leave room for improvement, the Lions know they have a kicker who embraces pressure. Detroit’s aggressive offensive philosophy may limit his opportunities, but when the game is on the line, Bates has repeatedly shown he can be trusted.
