Xavier Watts has already changed the way the Falcons have to think about Jessie Bates III.
Atlanta came into the offseason with one of the league’s best safety pairings, and Watts only strengthened that case with a rookie season that turned heads across the NFL. He finished with five interceptions, which tied for second in the league, and ended up as a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. That kind of debut doesn’t just get noticed - it forces a team to start rethinking its long-term plans.
That’s where Bates comes in. He’s entering a contract year, and Spotrac projects his next deal at three years and around $50 million, or about $16.7 million per year.
That would keep him as the ninth-highest paid safety in the league. But safety isn’t a premium spot, and with Watts already looking like a cornerstone, Atlanta has to ask whether committing that kind of money is still the right move.
The Falcons would obviously be losing more than production if they let Bates walk. He’s been a captain in all three of his seasons with the team and is likely to wear that role again in 2026.
Still, there’s a growing sense that Watts is starting to absorb more of that responsibility, too. A.J.
Terrell said the 23-year-old has taken on a larger leadership role, and Watts has been more vocal in practice.
Atlanta does have time on its side. Watts is still on his rookie deal for three more seasons, which gives the Falcons flexibility to keep both safeties together for now. The question is whether Ian Cunningham wants to pay a safety who is about to enter his thirties.
Watts’ health has also been part of the picture this summer. He sat out most of OTAs and mandatory minicamp as a precaution because of injury, but he’s back on the field in training camp. The 2025 third-round pick from Notre Dame has looked ready to build on that standout rookie year in his second season.
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Samson Ebukam, brought in on a one-year deal, is the veteran most positioned to help steady that spot. His history with defensive line coach Nate Ollie gives the Falcons some familiarity to lean on, and his experience has been a useful presence in camp as Atlanta tries to strengthen a front that needs dependable production. Whether Pearce is available or not, Ebukam has become part of the teams short-term answer up front. [Read more 🡒]
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The result has been a lot of waiting and a little improvisation, with veteran Cooper Rush brought in to take part in drills while the others ease back. Penix still has a stretch to go before he is ready for full practice, and Tagovailoas return is being managed carefully, which means the Week 1 picture is still far from settled. [Read more 🡒]