Jaguars Acquire Safety Jessie Bates III In Trade Deal With Falcons

Jaguars Move Fast Before Trade Deadline

The Jacksonville Jaguars have completed a trade to bring in veteran safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons. The deal was finalized just one day before the NFL trade deadline.

To get the move done, Jacksonville agreed to send a 2027 second round draft pick and a 2028 fifth round draft pick to Atlanta. Bates is currently in the final year of his four year, $64 million contract.

The move comes as Jacksonville needed coverage in their secondary. Starting safety Eric Murray was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 3 after suffering an elbow injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

How Bates Fits In Jacksonville

Bates brings plenty of experience to Jacksonville. The 29 year old has played nine seasons across his time with the Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023 during his first year with Atlanta, and he has recorded 28 career interceptions, making at least one interception in every season of his career.

Jacksonville currently holds a 6-2 record and leads the AFC South by three games. They are preparing to face the Tennessee Titans, who sit at 1-7, this Sunday.

The Jaguars defense ranks fifth in the NFL against the rush, allowing 89.3 yards per game, though they allowed 172 rushing yards against Baltimore on Thursday night. Their pass defense sits at 22nd in the league, giving up 229 yards per game. They lead the NFL in turnover ratio at plus 9 and rank third in interceptions with 11.

Why Atlanta Made The Trade

For Atlanta, the trade aligns with their plans for the future. The Falcons dropped to 3-6 following a 34-17 defeat against the Bengals in Madrid on Sunday. Despite that result, they remain just one game out of first place in the NFC South.

Bates will become a free agent after this season, and Atlanta was unlikely to sign him to a new deal. General manager Ian Cunningham wants to build the team through the draft. Atlanta had only five draft picks in 2026, a situation Cunningham stated would not happen again.

Building For The Long Term

This is the first season for president of football Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski. Atlanta is looking ahead to next offseason, when they are projected to have more than $142 million in salary cap space, which is the most in the NFL.

The franchise is building around running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, who are all signed to long term deals. Second year safety Xavier Watts will take over the role left by Bates, alongside young defensive backs Billy Bowman Jr. and Avieon Terrell.