According to Aaron Wilson, the Green Bay Packers are interested in having UFL kicker Jake Bates visit their team. Bates, who previously spent time with the Houston Texans in 2023, had a successful season with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL. He made 17 of 22 field goals during the regular season, with an impressive 11 of 12 from 20 to 49 yards and 6-for-10 on kicks over 50 yards, including a 64-yard game-winner against St. Louis.
In the postseason, Bates went 4-for-6 on kicks, bringing his total to 21 out of 28 for the season. He was recognized as an All-UFL kicker for his performance in 2024. With the Packers currently evaluating their kicking options, Bates could potentially join the competition with Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, and Jack Podlesny if a visit materializes. It’s possible that one of the kickers currently on the roster could be released to make room for Bates.
In addition to the Packers, the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens have also expressed interest in Bates. During his college career at Texas State and Arkansas, Bates was primarily a kickoff specialist due to his background in soccer. As teams continue to evaluate their kicking situations, Bates remains a player of interest for multiple NFL franchises.