Lions sign UFL K Jake Bates

Field Level Media|published: Tue 18th June, 12:31 2024

Mar 30, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates (38) celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal with three seconds on the clock against the St. Louis Battlehawks during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions signed Jake Bates from the United Football League and waived fellow kicker James Turner on Tuesday.

Bates spent the spring with the Michigan Panthers and made 21 of 28 field goals, including a 64-yard attempt and two others of at least 60 yards. He also made visits to the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers but chose to say in Detroit, where he kicked at Ford Field for the Panthers.

The Lions currently employ veteran kicker Michael Badgley.

Badgley, who turns 29 next month, spent parts of the past two seasons with the Lions, his fifth team. In 16 regular-season games with Detroit, Badgley has made 24 of 28 field goal attempts with a long of 53.

Bates, 25, played his senior season in 2022 at Arkansas, where he was a kickoff specialist and didn't attempt field goals. He was named to All-SEC first-team after leading the conference with an average of 64.47 yards per kickoff.

Turner, 23, was an undrafted rookie who played at Louisville (2019-22) and Michigan (2023).

--Field Level Media

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