Detroit Lions expected to sign Jake Bates in NFL free agency

The Detroit Lions are reportedly adding to their kicker competition, with the team expected to sign UFL star Jake Bates.

The news comes from Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com , who notes Bates won't officially sign until Tuesday. Also, the kicker had interest from the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and three other teams.

Bates was a standout for the Michigan Panthers in 2024, with the kicker making a whopping seven field goals of 50-plus yards, with three of those coming from 60-plus.

His success from long range immediately drew the interest of NFL teams, but Bates wasn't allowed to talk to teams until his season ended, which happened last week.

Including playoffs, Bates was 21-of-28 on his attempts and had a bit of a rough ending to the campaign. He missed three of his last five kicks to close out the regular season and then missed another two during the Panthers' playoff loss to the Birmingham Stallions.

The Lions currently have a kicker competition going on between an undrafted free agent in James Turner and veteran Michael Badgley, and by all accounts it's a close race between the two.

Bates just missed being able to take part in the offseason program, so the first time we'll see him on the practice field will be in training camp in late July.