Jaguars agree to trade for Falcons S Jessie Bates

According to Bleacher Report, the Atlanta Falcons are trading veteran safety Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the news initially reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. NBC Sports reported that the Jaguars will send a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Falcons in exchange for Bates. Yahoo Sports and NFL.com also reported the trade for two draft picks.

Bleacher Report noted that the Falcons sit only a half-game out of first place in the NFC South, but appear to be selling after a 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals marked their fourth defeat in five games. Bates represents a free agent in the upcoming offseason, making him a clear trade candidate before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline according to Bleacher Report. NBC Sports added that the Falcons will pick up most of Bates' remaining salary to facilitate the transaction.

In contrast, the Jaguars stand at 6-2 and third in the AFC following a 33-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9, per Bleacher Report and NBC Sports. Bleacher Report stated that general manager James Gladstone hopes Bates will provide a defensive boost comparable to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who caught 42 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns after arriving in a midseason trade last year. NBC Sports explained that the trade addresses a major need in the secondary after safety Eric Murray suffered a season-ending elbow injury, compounded by injuries to Antonio Johnson.

Bates has recorded 60 combined tackles, one interception, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles through nine games in 2026, alongside a fumble return for a touchdown mentioned by NBC Sports. Bleacher Report pointed out that the 29-year-old remains one of the league's top safeties. While extending his contract beyond the current season may prove difficult because the Jaguars are projected to exceed the salary cap in 2027, Bleacher Report noted that giving up a second-rounder is considered a worthwhile price for a potential deep playoff run.