It’s official. Kicker Jake Bates will return to the Detroit Lions for the 2026 NFL season.
The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett announced on Wednesday night that the Lions had given Bates his ERFA deal.
“No surprise there,” Birkett tweeted on X. “Bates got off to a strong start in his NFL career. “
ERFA stands for “exclusive-rights free agent. ” The agreement is a one-year, league-minimum salary offer made by NFL clubs to players who have two or fewer accumulated seasons of service and an expiring contract.
Because to the tender, Bates is unable to negotiate with other organizations.
Lions tender Jake Bates. ERFA Contract: Report.
Tendering Bates was a no-brainer choice for the Lions. In his first two seasons with the team, the kicker converted 84. 1% of his field goals. In 2025, he converted 27 of 34 field goals and all but two of his 56 extra points.
Bates’ arrival has stabilized Detroit’s field goal kicking. The Lions used two separate kickers in 2023, Riley Patterson and Michael Badgley, neither of whom coach Dan Campbell appeared to be very confident in during outdoor contests.
Prior to joining the Lions, Bates punted for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL. Bates showcased his excellent kicking leg throughout his one UFL season.
In fact, he nailed a 64-yard field goal in Week 1 of the UFL season at Ford Field. The Panthers and Lions share a home in downtown Detroit.
Only one field goal in NFL history has been longer than Justin Tucker’s 66-yard field goal. Tucker’s record-breaking kick occurred at Ford Field.
Bates converted 17 of 22 attempts in 10 games with the Panthers. He was one of two UFL players to be selected for an NFL roster during the 2024 preseason.
Bates has yet to make a 60-yard field goal in the NFL. However, he made a 58-yard attempt in 2024. Overall, Bates converted 89. 7% of his field goals as a rookie.
This previous season, his field goal success rate plummeted to 79. 4%. But he didn’t miss any within 40 yards. Furthermore, only two of his kicks from within 50 yards were unsuccessful.
Last season, Bates kicked a career-high 59-yard field goal.
Bates’ Future With the Lions
Bates will have difficulty leaving Detroit anytime soon because of his ERFA tender.
Not only can he not bargain with any other teams this offseason, but next year Bates will be a restricted free agent. It’s simpler for limited free agents to get a pay raise or switch teams, but he won’t be entering the open market.
The Lions will have the opportunity to offer Bates a contract next offseason.
To secure a substantial contract with the Lions or in unrestricted free agency, Bates will most likely need to duplicate his performance in 2026 and 2027.
According to Spotrac, Bates’ offer is worth $1. 075 million. As of March 4, Bates is the 18th-highest paid kicker in the league for 2026.
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey may set a new record for the position this offseason by signing a blockbuster agreement. But as he enters free agency, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Harrison Butler has the highest average annual salary value of $6. 4 million each season.
