Jake Bates
#39 PK · Detroit Lions
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'10"
Weight
202 lbs
Age
27
College
Arkansas
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
2 yrs
PK Rank
#21 / 34
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD+
| Year | Team | GP | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 34 | 84.1% |
| 2025 | | 17 | 79.4% |
| 2024 | | 17 | 89.7% |
| 2023 | | 1 | 0.0% |
Updated Jan 1, 1970
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.1M
AAV
$1.1M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Detroit Lions — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. Jake's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL PKs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.1M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the PK market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — unproven production at bargain money, which is essentially paying fair market value. Jake is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The 1-year, $1.1M deal keeps the commitment short, giving the team financial flexibility to move on if performance drops.
Performance Analysis
Jake Bates grades as a rotational player among NFL pks — a middle-of-the-pack player at the position. His strongest area is field goal accuracy at 79.4% (below the NFL average of 85.0%), ranking as below average for the position. His production dropped from a B in 2024 to a F in 2025.
Performance vs. NFL Position Average
Season Grades
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
B
2024
(30% weight)
D
2023
(20% weight)
Fan Sentiment
Lions wisely retain their 2024 standout kicker with a one-year deal. All five headlines emphasize continuity and locking in proven production at the position. Bates delivered strong performance in his first season, justifying the organization's confidence. Fans appreciate avoiding kicker uncertainty, a historically problematic area for Detroit. Expect reliable special teams execution with an established, comfortable roster piece.