Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Falcons reel in new starting safety

By Jared Smola | Updated on Thu, 13 Jul 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
Jessie Bates Headshot

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.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
Week 10 Fantasy Football Running Back Preview

Week 10 Fantasy Football Running Back Preview

10 hours ago

Christian McCaffrey looks set to finally play for the first time this season. Joe Mixon's on a tear. And Alvin Kamara's a horse among horses. Check the notes on our Top 50 RBs.

Read More »
Week 10 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Preview

Week 10 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Preview

10 hours ago

Let's run through the top-60 WRs for Week 10 fantasy lineups, helping to answer your start/sit questions at the position.

Read More »
Week 10 Fantasy Football Tight End Preview

Week 10 Fantasy Football Tight End Preview

11 hours ago

Can you still trust Evan Engram and Jake Ferguson with backup QBs? Let's tackle that question and help answer all your TE start/sit dilemmas.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »
THE 2024 ROOKIE GUIDE IS HERE! UPDATED POST-DRAFT
Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics • Sleepers • Busts & More