Falcons traded S Jessie Bates to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick.

09 November 2026

The Jaguars also sent a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Falcons in exchange for Bates, who is in the final year of his contract. Bates provides an immediate upgrade to a defensive unit that already ranks top-10 in points and yards allowed per game but has been more susceptible to being hurt through the air. Bates is a three-time Second-Team All-Pro and among the top safeties in the league. It stands to reason that the Jaguars will look to extend him at some point next offseason, but for now, he will join a 6-2 team that is clearly willing to go all in on what could be a deep run in the postseason.