ATL Jessie Bates III
NFL safety. Position: S. Team: ATL.
Quick Facts
- Position: Safety
- Team: ATL (Atlanta Falcons)
- Experience: Veteran
2026 Outlook
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).
Role / Depth Chart
Starting safety; primary voice in secondary coverage.
Recent News
- 2026-05-21 — 2026 NFL offseason: AFC teams' best and worst deals, picks (2026 NFL offseason: AFC teams' best and worst deals, picks)
- 2026-06-11 — 2026 NFL contracts: Next to get a big deal at every position (2026 NFL contracts: Next to get a big deal at every position)
- 2026-04-27 — Falcons release veteran punter Trenton Gill from roster (Falcons release veteran punter Trenton Gill from roster)
- 2026-06-05 — 3 Reasons for Optimism, 3 Reasons for Concern for Falcons in 2026 (3 Reasons for Optimism, 3 Reasons for Concern for Falcons in 2026)
- 2026-06-06 — 10 highest Falcons salary cap hits on defense in 2026 (10 highest Falcons salary cap hits on defense in 2026)