Sports · American Football · 16 hrs ago
Falcons Unlikely to Trade Jessie Bates Despite Interest
The 3-5 Atlanta Falcons remain in contention for the NFC South, so they are not expected to trade away key players before the deadline.
Other teams have asked about safety Jessie Bates, a full-time starter for Atlanta.
A trade is considered unlikely because the Falcons are expected to demand a high price.
Bates is 29 and set to become a free agent, and his 2026 base salary is $13.02 million.
Atlanta may need to keep some salary on its books to make a deal work, which could make a trade less appealing.
If the Falcons turn down interest, attention is likely to shift to negotiating a new contract for Bates and considering smaller roster moves.
The Falcons are unlikely to trade safety Jessie Bates despite receiving trade inquiries from interested teams.
Atlanta is expected to stay quiet at the upcoming trade deadline and is not expected to sell key players.
A high asking price and the need for Atlanta to retain part of Bates’ salary make a deal less likely.
Bates is 29, a pending free agent and a full-time starter for the Falcons in 2026.
- Who
- The Atlanta Falcons and safety Jessie Bates. Other teams have expressed interest in Bates, but they are not named.
- What
- Bates has drawn trade inquiries, but a trade is considered unlikely.
- When
- Ahead of the upcoming trade deadline in 2026. An exact deadline date is not stated.
- Where
- Atlanta, Georgia, and the NFL trade market.
- Why
- The Falcons are expected to maintain a high asking price, and a trade could require them to retain part of Bates’ salary.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bates earned a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors in his first season with the Falcons.
Bates remained a full-time starter, recording one interception, four pass deflections and a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Teams made inquiries about Bates, but a trade was reported to be unlikely.
- Falcons’ record
- 3-5
- Bates’ age
- 29
- Bates’ 2026 base salary
- $13.02 million
- Bates’ 2026 statistics
- One interception, four pass deflections and a touchdown on a fumble recovery
- Xavier Watts’ rookie contract
- Runs through 2028