According to a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Detroit Lions are expected to sign Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates. Per Wilson, the signing won’t become official until Tuesday.
Bates quickly became one of the most fascinating stories in the UFL this season. After not kicking a single field goal in college—serving as the kickoff specialist—Bates came into the UFL as the Panthers’ primary kicker and immediately became a sensation. In the season opener, Bates showed off his leg strength and clutchness by booting a 64-yard field goal to win the game. As an added bonus for the Lions, Bates’ home field was the same as theirs: Ford Field.