The Atlanta Falcons took a risk by signing veteran safety Jessie Bates to a substantial four-year, $64 million contract during the 2023 NFL free agency.
However, Bates quickly proved his worth in his Week 1 debut for the Falcons in the 2023 season, recording 10 tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended, and a forced fumble, earning the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
He continued to excel throughout the season, achieving a career-high 132 tackles, six interceptions, 11 passes defended, and three forced fumbles. Bates earned his first Pro Bowl selection and made the All-Pro Second Team for the second time.
Bates led all safeties in ball hawk rate (28.2%) and ranked third in the league for interceptions.
NFL coaches, executives, and scouts, who ranked him No. 3 on ESPN’s top 10 safeties list ahead of the 2024 season, believe Bates will continue to build on his success. “What he does well is dislodging the ball — not just interceptions but disrupting what should be completions,” an AFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “He’s been one of the more consistent safeties in the league for a long time now.”
Despite Atlanta’s inconsistent 2023 season, finishing with a 7-10 record, Bates was a consistent bright spot. He played a significant role in the Falcons’ defensive improvement, with the team finishing eighth in passing yards allowed, 11th in total yards, 18th in scoring, and 29th in run defense.
With Bates’ ball-hawking skills and the guidance of new head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, fans can expect these rankings to improve significantly this fall.
