C+
B+
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
B+
Positive
NegativeMixedPositive
Detroit locks up one of the NFL's most exciting kicker stories with a smart, low-risk retention. Multiple headlines confirm this was an anticipated move with strong organizational commitment behind it. Bates emerged as a fan favorite and reliable leg during Detroit's playoff push last season. Lions fans are thrilled to keep their cult-hero kicker, who became a genuine team identity piece. Expect Bates to anchor Detroit's special teams as the Lions chase another deep postseason run.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
C+
Fair Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
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 UNKs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.1M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the UNK 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 one-year deal minimizes the team's financial risk, effectively making this a prove-it contract.
Contract Details
- Length
- 1 year
- Total Value
- $1.1M
- AAV
- $1.1M
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About this NFL transaction
The Detroit Lions signed Jake Bates (PK) on March 25, 2026. FanVerdicts grades every reported NFL transaction across three dimensions independently: Contract Value Index measures the deal's value relative to expected production, Sentiment measures media and fan reaction, and Fan Verdict aggregates community voting on this page. Current grades for this move: Contract Value Index C+, Sentiment B+, Fan Verdict pending.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money the Contract Value Index grade is computed against. The grade does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
Want broader context? The NFL hub has the league-wide transaction feed and team rankings. The NFL transactions feed lists every reported move across the league with the same three-grade methodology applied to each.