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Grade Detroit Lions sign Jake Bates
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
B+
Positive
NegativeMixedPositive
Lions secure their reliable kicker with a contract extension, a sensible depth move. Media coverage focuses on Bates' personality and World Cup enthusiasm rather than football performance. Locking in a consistent kicker signals confidence in offensive consistency and roster stability. Fans view this as a routine, low-drama transaction securing a dependable specialist. Detroit maintains kicking continuity heading into the season without disruption or uncertainty.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
C+
Fair Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Detroit Lions — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. Jake's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL UNKs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.1M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the UNK market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — unproven production at bargain money, which is essentially paying fair market value. Jake is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The one-year deal minimizes the team's financial risk, effectively making this a prove-it contract.
Contract Details
- Length
- 1 year
- Total Value
- $1.1M
- AAV
- $1.1M
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About this NFL transaction
The Detroit Lions signed Jake Bates (PK) on March 25, 2026. FanVerdicts covers every reported NFL move — and asks fans to weigh in on each one. Cast your Fan Verdict on this move, see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts brings its own read too — sentiment and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Contract Value Index C+, Sentiment B+.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money behind the Contract Value Index read. That read does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
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