ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that 49ers S Malik Mustapha tore his right ACL in the team's season finale. ESPN's Nick Wagoner says, "There is no definitive timeline on Mustapha's return, but -- given how late in the year the injury occurred -- it's unlikely he will be ready at the start of the season." Wagoner added that the injury is "related" to the ACL tear he suffered in January 2022, while at Wake Forest.
The Falcons have agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal with S Jessie Bates III, according to multiple sources. Bates is coming off arguably his worst season, his fifth with Cincinnati. Bates' final two years with the Bengals were marred by contract squabbles, as he sought an extension and then played 2022 on the franchise tag. His tackles dwindled, despite no significant change to his role. And Bates matched the lowest Pro Football Focus coverage grade of his career, just two seasons after he led all safeties in overall PFF grade. Atlanta clearly believes the 26-year-old will rebound. We're betting he'll take over the role Jaylinn Hawkins played last year and start next to former second-round pick Richie Grant. The Falcons' safety roles proved nearly interchangeable in terms of where they lined up, which could mean a little more time in the box for Bates. Like Atlanta, we don't have any real long-term concern for Bates' performance. Check out where he sits in our dynasty rankings.
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