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The Detroit Lions have announced news on kicker Jake Bates as NFL free agency nears. Free agency starts on March 11.
The official free agency period doesn’t kick off until March 11, but deals are being made now, and the Detroit Lions have been in the news this week for their pending trade with the Houston Texans, sending away running back David Montgomery. But, just because Montgomery is taking the headlines this week, that doesn’t mean we should ignore other Lions players, such as kicker Jake Bates.
Bates has come up clutch in so many games during his time with the Lions. Who can forget the game against the Texans back in November 2024, when he helped Detroit narrowly beat Houston with a 26-23 final score? “I put them a little too close to the post for comfort, but luckily they went in,” Bates told NBC after the game, adding that he was “just happy to do my job today.”
Bates was selling bricks in Texas before inking with the Michigan Panthers and catching the eye of Dan Campbell. He’s also known for his faith.
“I think it just shows how good the Lord is,” he said, according to Fox News. “He’s so faithful. My story is, if anything, I just hope people can see Jesus through my story. I mean that’s what I think I’m here to do. Not make or miss or be a good kicker or bad kicker but spread the love of Jesus.”
Detroit Lions Make Jake Bates Announcement During NFL Offseason
On Tuesday, March 3, the Detroit Lions took to social media to celebrate their beloved kicker. They shared the news that it was Bates’ birthday and wished him a very happy day. They did the same for Levi Onwuzurike, who also celebrates his birthday on March 3. So, we here at Heavy Sports with both Bates and Onwuzurike a wonderful day.
Now, it’s worth noting that as of March 2026, Bates is an exclusive rights free agent, according to research from Spotrac, since his two-year, $1.98 million contract with the team has expired. The Lions hold exclusive rights to retain him for the 2026 season, and he’s not allowed to negotiate with other teams if the Lions offer him a one-year deal at the league’s minimum.
David Montgomery Move Was Important for the Detroit Lions in 2026
On Monday, March 2, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Lions traded Montgomery to the Texans, and for it, they’re getting offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick.
Montgomery was been with the Lions for three seasons, clocking 2,500 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, according to NFL research. He was a solid, long term presence on and off the field. But, for the past two seasons, his production went down, as Jahmyr Gibbs advanced. As part of the deal, the last two years of Montgomery’s contract will be transferred to Houston.
Just last week, during NFL Combine, general manager Brad Holmes spoke about Montgomery.
“We love David,” Homes said last week, according to Pro Football Talk. “He’s a great player. We’d love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rear view and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So, those conversations are still fluid, and we’re just trying to see how it goes.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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