11/09/2026 01:05:00
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11/09 13:03 CST Falcons trade veteran safety Jessie Bates III to the Jaguars
for two draft picks
Falcons trade veteran safety Jessie Bates III to the Jaguars for two draft picks
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- The Atlanta Falcons traded safety Jessie Bates III to the
Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday in exchange for two draft picks.
The Falcons will receive a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round
pick.
The 29-year-old Bates had been included in reports as a player who could be
moved before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.
Bates confirmed the trade on social media before it was officially announced
when he wrote on his X account on Monday "WOKE UP A JAGUAR!" He also wrote "ATL
Forever Grateful!"
Bates had a career-high 14 tackles in the Falcons' 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati
Bengals on Sunday in Madrid. The Falcons (3-6) have lost four of their last
five games under first-year coach Kevin Stefanski, leaving them on a path to
their ninth consecutive losing season.
Bates has 60 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception and a 36-yard
return for a touchdown on a fumble recovery as a bright spot for the Falcons.
In nine seasons, including five with Cincinnati, Bates has 28 interceptions and
14 forced fumbles.
While the Falcons have struggled, the Jaguars (6-2) are contending for the top
playoff spot in the AFC. The Jaguars have won five of their last six games,
including a 33-10 victory in Baltimore on Thursday night.
The Jaguars will play at Tennessee on Sunday. Titans coach Robert Saleh said
his team's challenge became more difficult following the trade.
"What they've done is added an All-Pro player to an already championship
caliber football team," Saleh said. "Last week I made the comment that
Cincinnati was the best team we've played all year? Well, Jacksonville's
one-upping it. This team has done a great job developing the players on that
roster."
The Jaguars also acquired defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in a trade with the
New Orleans Saints, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
In return, the Saints will receive a 2028 sixth-round pick that could be
elevated to a 2027 sixth-round pick, the person said.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the trade has not yet
been announced.
The additions of Godchaux and Bates will help the Jaguars fill the voids left
by defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and safety Eric Murray, who were placed on
injured reserve on Tuesday.
___
AP Sports Writer Mark Long and Associated Press freelance writer Teresa Walker
contributed to this report.
___
See AP's full NFL coverage here
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