# 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)


## Open Questions

## Sources

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Source: https://chatffb.com/players/jessie-bates · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.