Jessie Bates III gave the Falcons exactly the kind of reminder that can change how a front office thinks.
In Atlanta’s 30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the veteran safety flashed the kind of impact play that has defined his best work with the Falcons. Early in the first quarter, Sydney Brown jarred the ball loose from Mark Andrews, Bates spotted the opening first, scooped it up and raced 36 yards for a touchdown. It was Atlanta’s first defensive touchdown since Bates’ pick-six against the Rams last year.
That kind of moment matters because the Falcons entered the season with what many viewed as the league’s best safety pairing, but neither Jessie Bates nor Xavier Watts got rolling right away. A lack of takeaways has been a big part of that slow start, and that’s supposed to be the area where both safeties make their money. Watts has looked like he was dealing with a sophomore slump, while Bates had started to look a little closer to regression than peak form, even if he remained a good starting safety.
Against Baltimore, though, both safeties looked more like their 2025 selves, and Bates especially stood out. The touchdown return was the cleanest evidence yet of what he still brings: instincts, range and the ability to turn a loose ball into points in a heartbeat.
And the stat behind it is eye-opening. According to ESPN research, Bates is the only NFL player to score a defensive touchdown in each of the last four seasons. He’s tied with then-Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib, who did it from 2014-2017, for the longest streak ever by a player in that category.
That also makes the contract conversation impossible to ignore. Bates is in the final season of the four-year, $64 million deal he signed with Atlanta during the 2023 offseason, and he’s become one of the most important pieces on the defense, on the field and in the locker room. A game like this only strengthens the case for keeping him around.
Spotrac projects his next deal at around three years and $50 million, which would average $16.7 million per year. That feels reasonable for a player who will turn 30 in February.
Bates, a Wake Forest product, has been a captain in each of his four seasons in Atlanta, and the source material points to a strong chance he’d be willing to take a little less to remain with the Falcons. He’s described as a fan favorite and one of the team’s best leaders.
There’s still uncertainty, though. Extension talks, if they’ve even started, haven’t gone anywhere yet, and that leaves the door open for the Falcons to consider trading him before the Nov. 10 deadline. If Atlanta stumbles through its difficult stretch before the bye week and ends up around 4-6 or 3-7, teams such as the Bengals, who drafted Bates, or Raheem Morris’ 49ers could show interest.
But moving him would be a hard sell. The comp pick wouldn’t seem worth it, especially for a player with elite ball skills and range who helps lift the entire secondary. Bates’ touchdown against Baltimore was a blunt reminder of what Atlanta stands to lose if it lets him get away.
In Other News...
Michael Penix Jr.'s Status Suddenly Looms Over Falcons-Bears
Michael Penix Jr.s health quickly became the biggest subplot for Atlanta after Sunday nights loss to the Ravens, when the quarterback took a rib injury late in the game and was unable to be out there for the overtime drive. The Falcons had him undergo an MRI on Monday, and the early read from the organization is encouraging enough to keep him in the conversation for Week 6 against the Bears.
Still, the situation leaves Atlanta with a real wait-and-see feeling heading into the new week, because the Falcons need clarity at the most important position before facing Chicago. If Penix is not cleared, the next quarterback up is expected to be Tua Tagovailoa, which gives the injury update even more weight as the team tries to get its offense settled in time for Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Loss Exposed One Uncomfortable Truth About Bijan Robinson
Baltimores defense made Atlanta earn everything on the ground, and Bijan Robinsons latest outing was a good example of how even productive days can feel muted when the opponent takes away the run game early. Robinson still found creases and kept the offense moving at times, but the Falcons had to lean more on the passing game than they usually would against a front that was physical from the start and consistently squeezed the space Atlanta wanted to create.
Even in a quieter game by his recent standards, Robinson remained a central piece of the Falcons offense and showed why his role goes well beyond the box score. The larger concern for Atlanta was how quickly the ground attack lost its edge, leaving Michael Penix Jr. to carry more of the load than the Falcons probably wanted against one of the leagues tougher defenses. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Now Face A Bears QB Twist That Changes This Matchup
The Falcons trip to Chicago could still hinge on a quarterback decision that is not fully settled yet. Bears coach Ben Johnson said Caleb Williams is continuing to progress as he works back from the hamstring injury that has kept him out the past three games, and Atlanta is waiting to see whether the rookie is ready in time to change the complexion of the matchup.
If Williams is not able to go, the Bears still have one more wrinkle to sort through before kickoff, with Johnson saying the team has not decided which backup would get the start. Chicago is coming off a loss to Green Bay, and Johnson pointed to the recent play of Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, leaving the Falcons to prepare for a game plan that could look very different depending on who ends up under center. [Read more 🡒]