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Jessie Bates III
S · ATL

Jessie Bates III

Position S
Team ATL
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Jessie Bates III

NFL safety. Position: S. Team: ATL.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Safety
  • Team: ATL (Atlanta Falcons)
  • Experience: Veteran

2026 Outlook

ESPN executive poll (July 16): Ranked as the #5 safety in the NFL by ESPN's poll of coaches and executives. Bates has established himself as an elite ball hawk, with 27 interceptions in eight seasons, including 13 picks in just three years with Atlanta. Remarkably, he has returned one interception for a TD in each of his three seasons with the Falcons, totaling 384 return yards (14.2 yards per pick average). His instincts and ball skills are enabling him to age well in the position, with one NFL coordinator noting: "He's just got a knack for being around the ball." (per Falcons Recap: Jalon Walker's trade value, ESPN praises Jessie Bates)

Jessie Bates III is the Falcons' highest-paid defender, carrying a $24.8M salary cap hit in 2026. He pairs with cornerback A.J. Terrell to anchor the secondary on a unit that recorded a franchise-record 57 sacks in 2025. The defensive investment reflects Atlanta's commitment to pass coverage and run-stopping at the veteran level, with Bates expected to continue as a lead voice in the safety rotation (per 10 highest Falcons salary cap hits on defense in 2026).

August 6 trade speculation: ESPN's trade analysis proposes sending Bates to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick plus Atlanta's 2028 sixth-round pick. The proposal highlights Bates' three-year history with Falcons defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, now the 49ers head coach, as well as San Francisco's need for secondary depth behind injury-prone Malik Mustapha. Any trade would require Atlanta's approval, but the fit is theoretically appealing for the 49ers. For Bates' 2026 outlook, a trade remains speculative at this point (per 49ers Urged to Trade for Jessie Bates).

Week 3 trade proposal (September 23): Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox identified Bates as a prime 2027 free-agent-to-be trade chip if the Falcons continue struggling early in the season. At 0-2 heading into Week 3, Atlanta has been "one of the worst teams in football," prompting speculation they may sell off veterans. Knox valued Bates at a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick. The Lions are identified as a potential trade suitor, seeking secondary depth while safety Kerby Joseph's return remains uncertain. Bates has made second-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons, including last year's 98 tackles, 6 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. (per NFL Trade Proposal Ships Lions All-Pro Safety Amid Kerby Joseph Uncertainty).

Role / Depth Chart

Starting safety; primary voice in secondary coverage.

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources