Jaguars Trade Draft Picks to Acquire Star Safety Jessie Bates III

Jaguars Make Move for Jessie Bates III

The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed a major defensive weakness on Monday by trading for Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III. Jacksonville sent a 2027 second round draft pick and a 2028 fifth round pick to Atlanta to complete the deal.

At 6-2, the Jaguars sit in third place in the AFC and hold a three game lead in the AFC South. The move suggests a win now mentality. Last season at the trade deadline, Jacksonville acquired receiver Jakobi Meyers to boost their offense. The team hopes Bates can do the same for the defense.

Fixing the Jacksonville Defense

Jacksonville ranks second in the league in opponents points per game at 15.1, but they rank 22nd in passing yards allowed per game at 229.0. Injuries have severely tested their secondary. Starting safety Eric Murray went on injured reserve on November 3 with a season ending elbow injury. Caleb Ransaw went on injured reserve on October 6 with a knee injury, and Antonio Johnson has dealt with an ankle issue.

These injuries forced special teams player Rayuan Lane III and practice squad member Kaevon Merriweather into larger roles. Lane made a game saving fourth down tackle against Cincinnati and returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown against Indianapolis. Adding Bates gives defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile far more reliability. Bates has 28 career interceptions and has missed only three games in his nine year career.

Jacksonville may not be finished making moves. They still need help at defensive tackle after losing DaVon Hamilton for the season to a quad injury, and they could use more pass rush support.

Why Atlanta Made the Deal

The Falcons are currently 3-6, but they sit just one game out of first place in the NFC South. Atlanta still has a chance to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Over the last five seasons, Atlanta finished 8-9 or 7-10 every year.

Atlanta chose to trade Bates because he is in the final year of his contract and will turn 30 in February. Rather than risk losing him for nothing, Atlanta took the picks to build a deeper team. Second year safety Xavier Watts will step into the starting lineup. Watts recorded five interceptions as a rookie and has been mentored by Bates.

With the extra draft capital, Atlanta can address major needs at offensive tackle or cornerback. Potential targets include offensive tackles Melvin Siani, Elijah Paige, and Drew Azzopardi, as well as cornerbacks Audavion Collins, Jalen Mayo, and Vicari Swain.