Breaking: Falcons Trade Safety Jessie Bates III to Jaguars
The cornerstone of Atlanta's defence for the past four years is moving on to his third NFL team. Jessie Bates was drafted 54th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent the first five seasons. The Bengals released him in 2022, leading to Bates signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Bates has not missed a game as a member of the Falcons, making himself a trade target for his elite ball-hawking skills and longevity.
Why This Works for Jacksonville...
Liam Coen has turned this Jaguars team into Super Bowl contenders since joining in 2025. With a 6-2 record, and a big lead in the AFC South, the Jags are buyers this deadline, and adding an elite veteran safety in Jessie Bates III is a perfect move, because the Jags aren't deep at the position. Their current safeties are Rayuan Lane III and Antonio Johnson, while their starting safety Eric Murray just suffered a season ending elbow injury. Bates joins a defence alongside studs like Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen and occasionally Travis Hunter, making this team a top Super Bowl contender.
Why This Works for Atlanta...
Atlanta is still in the run for the playoffs, as all four NFC South teams have three wins. The odds that they make the playoffs though are unlikely, and if they do, they won't go very far, so moving off of a player that was gonna be a free agent after this season, and getting a good return works.
Who Wins?
Atlanta did get a decent return for Bates, but this just makes so much sense for the Jaguars I'm gonna say they won it. Jacksonville is replacing their injured starter, and backups with an All-Pro Safety!? Jags Win!
Jacksonville Jaguars Win the Trade
Full Trade:
Jacksonville Jaguars Receive:
Jessie Bates III
Atlanta Falcons Receive:
2027 second round pick
2028 fifth round pick
