Sports
Falcons Trade Captain Jessie Bates III to Jaguars for Draft Picks
The Atlanta Falcons traded star safety and team captain Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, receiving a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick in return.
ATLANTA â The Atlanta Falcons have traded star safety and team captain Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team confirmed Monday, a day after a disappointing overseas loss in Spain.
The deal, first reported by ESPN, sends Bates to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Bates confirmed the move himself on social media, posting âWOKE UP A JAGUAR!â along with the Jaguars' #DUUUVAL hashtag. He also expressed gratitude to the city of Atlanta, writing that he is âforever gratefulâ to the organization and its fans.
Bates, 29, joined the Falcons in 2023 on a four-year, $64 million contract and quickly established himself as a defensive leader. In his first season with Atlanta, he recorded a career-high 89 solo tackles and six interceptions. This year, he has 60 combined tackles and one interception. He has served as a team captain in each of his four seasons with the Falcons.
The trade comes as the Falcons look to rebuild draft capital after investing heavily in Bates and other veterans. The move also signals a shift toward younger talent as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
For Jacksonville, the acquisition adds a proven playmaker to a defense that has struggled at times this season. Bates is expected to step into a starting role immediately.
The Falcons did not immediately comment on the trade beyond confirming the terms. Bates' departure leaves a void in the secondary and in the locker room, where he was widely respected.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.