At first glance, it’s a little surprising that the Detroit Lions haven’t already locked up kicker Jake Bates.
Bates is an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA), and those deals are usually automatic. They’re inexpensive, low-risk, and give teams full control. Detroit has already re-signed three of its ERFAs — Jacob Saylors, Michael Niese, and Nick Whiteside, leaving Bates as the lone player still waiting.
So what’s taking so long?
According to Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit, the delay has nothing to do with uncertainty about Bates’ future.
Why Jake Bates Isn’t Signed Yet
Schlitt notes that Bates earned plenty of trust in 2025, converting 90% of his field goals and delivering in several clutch moments. While his accuracy dipped in 2026 (27-for-34, 79.4%), he still made big kicks when it mattered and showed noticeable improvement on kickoffs as he adjusted to the NFL’s new special teams rules.
The Lions’ coaching staff has already said they want him back. This isn’t a performance issue.
How the ERFA Tender Gives Detroit Leverage
Because Bates is an ERFA, the Lions can retain him at any time by placing a tender on him. Once they do, he cannot negotiate with other teams. Detroit doesn’t even need to apply that tender until the new league year opens on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
So the control is already there. The question is why they’re choosing to wait.
The Likely Reason: Long-Term Contract Talks
Per Schlitt, the most likely explanation is that the Lions are exploring a longer-term extension instead of immediately locking Bates into a minimum ERFA deal.
By holding off on the tender, Detroit is keeping the negotiation window open and allowing Bates and his agent to work toward a multi-year contract in good faith. It’s a sign of respect, not hesitation.
And if those talks don’t progress, the ERFA tender is still sitting there as a safety net.
What This Means for the Lions
This isn’t about doubt. It’s about patience and smart roster management.
The Lions believe in Bates. They value his clutch history, his growth, and his upside under the new kickoff rules. Rather than rushing to exert leverage, they appear willing to see if a long-term partnership makes sense first.
When you really think about it, it’s clear the silence isn’t a warning sign, it’s a negotiation strategy.
Recent Comments