Jacksonville Jaguars acquire safety Jessie Bates III from Atlanta Falcons

The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to acquire safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons, according to reports from UPI, the Daily Mail, CBS Sports, and the New York Post. The outlets reported that Jacksonville will send a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round draft pick to Atlanta in exchange for the defensive star. [1][2][3][4]

The New York Post reported that the Atlanta Falcons will pay most of the $6.5 million salary owed to Bates to finish the transaction. CBS Sports and the New York Post noted that Bates is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. [3][4]

UPI reported that the 29-year-old safety recorded 60 combined tackles, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble return for a touchdown over nine starts this season. UPI added that Bates will join a Jacksonville secondary alongside Antonio Johnson, Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown, and Jourdan Lewis. [1]

Bates played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons before the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the second round of the 2018 National Football League draft. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Jacksonville previously played games in London this season, including a Week 5 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. [11][13][14]

The deal comes ahead of the league deadline for player trades, which the Daily Mail and CBS Sports reported is set for 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. [2][3]