Since the Atlanta Falcons are rebuilding a new roster led by new head coach Kevin Stefanski, the team might be willing to trade veteran safety Jessie Bates this offseason. After hiring a new coach, it could come at the expense of trading Bates, who provides a ton of value for the Falcons, and what they get in return to improve the team. Despite retaining the defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, the Falcons might still be willing to move on without Bates, as he could fetch a decent draft capital in return. Even though Bates is coming off an All-Pro 2025 season, recording 57 solo tackles and three interceptions, it might be too much for the team to compensate for his next deal. 

The Biggest Falcons Trade Asset is Jessie Bates – 3 Suitors May Emerge

The safety has one year left on his contract, and his name will probably continue to be brought up even if the Falcons don’t deal him this year. They have wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who might be on the trade block, and they’re likely to deal him over Bates due to his slowed production in the last half of the 2025 campaign. However, the Falcons should probably try to trade Bates since the quarterback situation is still anyone’s job for the taking.

The team isn’t sold on Michael Penix Jr., while expected to cut Kirk Cousins next month. If the Falcons decide to either sign a quarterback in free agency or draft a high-stakes starter, it would make sense to trade Bates. With that, entering at age 29 this year, the safety has a chance to join a decent contender and play for a possible Super Bowl in 2027.

Potential Trade Candidates
Dallas Cowboys

Despite the Cowboys improving the defensive line this past 2025 campaign, there’s still a huge need in their secondary unit. Donovan Wilson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and his latest performance doesn’t convince the team he’ll return. Out of Malik Hooker, there isn’t a ton of reliable depth.

The Cowboys had the chance before the trade deadline to get Minkah Fitzpatrick, but the team instead traded for Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson. While they saw some short-term investment, it never got them ahead of the competition. This offseason, the team has a chance to try to trade for a high-stakes veteran safety, and they should get Bates a part of their secondary that needs a major overhaul.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have a need for the position as well. Caleb Downs is the best safety in this upcoming draft, but they will likely need an answer at the void in the position sooner rather than later. The Chiefs have a Pro Bowl High-Caliber safety, Bryan Cook, along with Mike Edwards and Deon Bush, hitting the market. The team can re-sign at least one of them to a one-year contract, but their current cap space won’t allow them to retain everyone.

Given Bates’ final year in his deal, the Chiefs could try to get the veteran during the 2026 season if all fails. Bates might be the next big thing in Kansas City, like how they were when they had Justin Reid around.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, but the team shouldn’t worry. There are a couple of decent star players who are willing to make an impact to get this team at least to the AFC Championship Game. The team brought in Mike McDaniel to help Justin Herbert establish himself with a newer offense that might work out better than he had with Greg Roman. However, they must improve both sides of the field.

After trading Alohi Gilman last year, they’re left with a sizeable void in their safety unit. Tony Jefferson is solid, but someone like Bates could further enhance the secondary.