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.
135 Things I Learned Doing 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

135 Things I Learned Doing 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

12:04pm EST 2/11/25

From Baker Mayfield's bloated TD rate to Brian Thomas' historic rookie season, here are 135 things I learned doing 2025 fantasy football projections.

Read More »
Tyler Warren Dynasty Value

Tyler Warren Dynasty Value

10:15am EST 2/11/25

Tyler Warren's dynasty value is rising as a potential top-10 NFL Draft pick. Let's review the tape and production to see what his NFL future might hold.

Read More »
Omarion Hampton Dynasty Value

Omarion Hampton Dynasty Value

1:25pm EST 2/10/25

Hampton performed as one of the nation’s most productive RBs over the past two seasons. Now see why he’s poised for Round 1 capital in upcoming rookie drafts.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »