Jaguars Acquire Jessie Bates From Falcons for Two Draft Picks

Jacksonville has added veteran safety Jessie Bates to its defense, trading two future draft selections to Atlanta for the Pro Bowl and All-Pro player. The deal sends the Falcons a second-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round selection in 2028.

Bates, 29, has been in the starting lineup for each of Atlanta's nine contests this season. He has recorded 60 tackles, one interception, forced three fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. Jacksonville is 6-2 after beating Baltimore 33-10 on Thursday, and is aiming for a deep postseason run.

The Jaguars turned to Bates after safety Eric Murray suffered an elbow injury that will end his season. Bates brings experience from nine NFL seasons, including five with Cincinnati, which reached the Super Bowl after the 2021 season. He joined Atlanta as a free agent in 2023 on a four-year contract worth $64 million, with $36 million guaranteed.

Atlanta is trading a key defensive player who was in the final year of his contract, gaining two picks for its future roster. Bates earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2023, his first selection. Jacksonville will look to use his experience and playmaking ability to strengthen its secondary as the team pursues a playoff spot.