There’s a new playmaker in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are making a splash play to bolster one of the best defenses in the NFL. They’re trading for Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons. He’s been one of the best ball-hawking players in the league since joining the Falcons, and now he’s in Duval County. Does this put the Jags over the top in the AFC?
Jaguars’ New Safety
The Jaguars are sending a 2nd- and a 5th-round pick for the former second-team All-Pro safety. Bates is having another exceptional season with 60 tackles (35 solo and 25 assists), 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery that ended with him finding the end zone. A fun fact is that he still hasn’t been on a team during their bye week. The Falcons still haven’t had theirs, and the Jaguars’ has already passed. There’s a scenario where he plays in 18 games this season.
He has been one of the best safeties since entering the NFL. Since his rookie campaign back in 2018, he leads all safeties in forced turnovers with 31, five more than second place Xavier McKinney. Despite McKinney and Kirby Joseph having more interceptions, the ability to create turnovers isn’t just about interceptions. Bates has been one of the best “peanut punchers” in the entire league.
Up to this point in the season, Bates ranks 3rd out of 100 qualified safeties in PFF overall grade with an 85.1 grade, only behind Zakee Wheatley (90.2) and Evan Williams (90.9). Heading to a team that ranks 2nd in points allowed, 22nd in passing yards per game, 4th in offensive touchdowns allowed, and 3rd in takeaways per game, that’s a tall task to not “mess the Cadillac up.” However, we’ve seen him switch teams and continue to be an elite defensive playmaker.
Instant Reaction
I think this is a win-win for both teams. Despite the Falcons being in a winnable division, the NFC South, this team doesn’t have any championship aspirations. What does that mean? They need to accumulate as many future assets as possible in order to prepare for a soft rebuild. Atlanta still has pieces in place to be semi-competitive. However, the road ends with “semi.” The only surprise is that they are moving off their best defensive player when their division is still winnable.
As for the Jaguars, I love this trade. It has been reported that the Jaguars have been making calls to teams in an attempt to find defensive line help, and after conversations that amounted to nothing, this was an amazing avenue to pivot toward. We know that in the playoffs you will be facing the best of the best offenses, and a single turnover might be the difference in advancing and heading home. You want a player like Jessie Bates on your team.
Final Thoughts
I think out of all the moves that could have been made for the Jaguars, this is the best one. You bring in a veteran who knows his role and will have an immediate impact, while the Falcons are just buying stock in their future. What was your reaction when you saw the trade news? Are you surprised that Atlanta is selling off, considering their shaky division?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and instant reaction on the Jacksonville Jaguars trading for Falcons safety Jessie Bates III! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! Thank you for making us part of your day, and look forward to seeing you again soon.
