In Week 7, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates set a new benchmark for the franchise by hitting his third career field goal from 58 yards or longer — and his second of the season. With that latest kick, he became the first kicker in team history to record two field goals of 58-plus yards in one year.

Since emerging from the UFL, where he drilled a 64-yarder with the Michigan Panthers, Bates earned a two-year, $1.98 million deal in 2024 that runs through the end of the 2025 campaign.

Brad Holmes be in position to reset the kicker market.

Lions’ next step with Jake Bates is clear

Now that Bates has ascended among the NFL’s elite specialists, he’s earned the right to a long-term extension with guaranteed money. Detroit’s history at the position runs deep — Jason Hanson held it from 1992 to 2012, followed by Matt Prater from 2014 through 2020.

After Prater’s departure, Detroit cycled through six kickers: Riley Patterson (20 games), Austin Seibert (nine), Ryan Santoso (three), Aldrick Rosas (one), Michael Badgley (16), and Dominik Eberle (one). That total doesn’t even include the five others brought in for competition between 2021 and 2023.

With 10 games still to play, Bates has ample time to solidify his case for a major payday. Just a year ago, he was nearly out of football and working as a brick salesman — but now, he’s well positioned to earn a new deal worth at least $3 million per year.