For the first time in the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell era, the Detroit Lions face no uncertainty at the kicker position. Historically, the franchise enjoyed stability from reliable kickers such as Eddie Murray from 1980 to 1991, Jason Hanson between 1992 and 2012, and Matt Prater from 2014 through 2020. However, the past three seasons saw a revolving door of kickers, with no standout long-term option emerging—until Jake Bates arrived last year.
Bates’ signing brought renewed hope that the Lions might have finally found a dependable kicker who could carry the team into the future.
Jake Bates’ Arrival and Initial Expectations
With uncertainty lingering after a questionable stint by Michael Badgley, Detroit sought competition during training camp for the kicker role. Coming off a solid performance with the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League (UFL), Bates earned a two-year contract with the Lions. While his overall field goal percentage in the UFL stood at 77.3% (17-for-22), what really turned heads was his impressive long-distance accuracy, featuring a remarkable 64-yard field goal.
The Lions’ coaching staff, led by Dan Campbell, is known for frequently opting to go for it on fourth downs, but having a kicker like Bates with proven range offered them a more confident option to attempt long field goals rather than risk turnovers. Bates entered training camp competing directly against Badgley, who initially seemed to be winning the job, as Bates struggled early on.
That changed when Badgley tore his hamstring, ending his 2024 season before it began. Suddenly, Bates had a clear path to take over as the starter, and he responded by securing the role and earning the team’s confidence as their primary kicker.
Jake Bates’ Impact in His Rookie NFL Season
During the 2024 regular season, Bates made 26 out of 29 field goal attempts and converted 64 out of 67 extra point tries, with his longest successful kick reaching 58 yards. His breakdown by distance highlights his reliability:
- 20-29 yards: 3-for-3
- 30-39 yards: 10-for-10
- 40-49 yards: 7-for-8
- 50-59 yards: 6-for-8
Bates quickly demonstrated a clutch factor, making key kicks when the game was on the line. In the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, he nailed a 32-yard field goal with 17 seconds left, forcing overtime and helping the Lions secure a 26-20 victory. His first game-winning kick took place against the Minnesota Vikings, where a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining sealed a close 31-29 win.
Perhaps his most memorable moment came against the Houston Texans. The Lions overcame a 16-point deficit, capped by a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Bates to claim a 26-23 victory. In December, he also delivered a last-second 35-yard field goal to beat the Green Bay Packers 34-31. Across four games, Bates was called upon to either win or extend the contest and succeeded every time.
Evaluating Bates’ Prospects for the 2025 Season and Beyond
Following a promising rookie season, Bates has quickly become a fan favorite in Detroit and may represent the team’s answer at kicker. The critical question for the Lions now is whether he can consistently replicate this success. While Detroit would prefer to avoid high-pressure game-winning situations, the ability for Bates to perform under those conditions is an invaluable asset.
Unlike many free-agent kickers who sign one-year deals, Bates was rewarded with a two-year contract, signaling the Lions’ confidence in his abilities. Entering a contract year, Detroit faces a favorable kicker market but understands the importance of locking down a reliable specialist if he proves consistent.
The Lions will likely wait until later in the season before attempting to re-sign Bates, as evaluating his performance over multiple seasons is essential for such an investment. Kickers are often assessed based on long-term consistency rather than a single year’s success, so another strong campaign will be crucial.
At the time of this writing, Bates remains the only kicker on the roster. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions bring back Michael Badgley for training camp competition to challenge Bates, given that Bates has yet to reach the level of invulnerability that punter Jack Fox enjoys—Fox has maintained his starting role without facing competition.
Should Bates continue to make clutch kicks and demonstrate reliability, Detroit might eventually follow Fox’s model and enter a period where Bates faces no contest for the job. Conversely, the team could choose not to bring in competition and observe whether Bates maintains high effort levels without pressure, revealing more about his professional mindset.
Why Bates Could Be a Key Element for Detroit’s Future
Jake Bates’ strong rookie season showed he possesses the necessary skills to succeed in the NFL, regardless of weather conditions or pressure-filled scenarios. His range, accuracy, and poise in critical moments make him an important asset for Detroit as the team seeks stability at the kicker position.
Should Bates maintain or improve upon his 2024 performance, the Lions will likely have little hesitation in offering him a multi-year extension to keep him in Detroit for the foreseeable future. This move would end years of uncertainty and provide a solid foundation for a franchise eager to return to consistent success.