A Jessie Bates move has become one of the more interesting training camp possibilities, and ESPN’s Seth Walder floated a deal that would send the Atlanta Falcons safety to the San Francisco 49ers.
Walder’s case for Atlanta is rooted in timing. He wrote, “If the Falcons were expected to contend, it would make sense to keep Bates and see the original contract through.
But they aren't, and with a ton of 2027 cap space even after the Bijan Robinson extension, the Falcons will likely be spenders next offseason,” Walder wrote. “They would risk losing Bates without getting a compensatory pick in return if he walks in free agency.
So it's better for Atlanta to deal him now. And while that would mean finding a replacement for Bates, the Falcons wouldn't be lacking in safety talent thanks to emerging second-year player Xavier Watts.
“It just so happens that former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, who coached Bates the past two seasons, is now the 49ers' defensive coordinator. And he could use an upgrade at safety alongside Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha. The timing works, as the 49ers are contenders who could use defensive help after ranking 25th in EPA allowed per dropback last season.”
For San Francisco, the fit is easy to see. The 49ers have been working to bolster their defense, and Bates would give them another proven piece as they try to push toward the postseason.
There’s also a little smoke around Bates’ current status in Atlanta. Josh Kendall of The Athletic reported that Bates has been out for the past two days at Falcons training camp, and it’s not clear whether that absence is tied to an injury or a contract issue. If it’s the latter, and the two sides can’t find common ground, trade talks could follow.
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