JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars have acquired S Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2027 second-round selection and a 2028 fifth-round selection, pending a physical, the team announced today. As part of the agreement, Atlanta restructured Bates' contract prior to the completion of the trade.
"Jessie has been a proven playmaker on the defensive side of the ball for the last 8+ seasons," said Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone. "His skillset complements our style of play and the person he is aligns with our culture. We look forward to integrating Jessie into our team as we prepare for the back half of the season."
Check out pictures of the Jaguars' new safety, Jessie Bates III. Jacksonville acquired Jessie via trade from Atlanta ahead of the 2026 NFL Season trade deadline.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts a San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy pass during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) defends during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates an interception return for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) defends during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts the ball off of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller (81) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts the ball against Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 29-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) fumbles the ball against Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Atlanta. Bates ran the ball 92-yeards for a touchdown. Bates ran an intercepted ball 92-yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts the ball intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Atlanta. Bates ran the ball 92-yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, center, in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his second interception against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) runs after recovering a fumble against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) recovers a Carolina Panthers fumble during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst (81) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) runs for the play during an NFL wild-card football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) makes an interception intended for Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) makes an interception intended for Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage (17) tries unsuccessfully to make a catch as Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) enters the field prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III warms up during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) and safety Jessie Bates III (30) break up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) runs after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) breaks up a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during an NFL football game, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates after intercepting a pass to end an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates with teammates after interepting a pass to end an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals won 27-12. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates his interception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III (30) intercept a pass in the end zone intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (12), during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III (30) makes the interception against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell (24) intercepts a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, center, as Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) defends during overtime in the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) stops a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates (30) is introduced before an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates (30) intercepts a pass intended by Tennessee Titans' A.J. Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates (30) celebrates an interception with LeShaun Sims (38) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) intercepts a pass during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, October 18th, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana (Ryan Meyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates (30) intercepts a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts' Zach Pascal (14) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates (30) breaks up a pass intended by Los Angeles Chargers' Mike Williams (81) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Willie Snead (83) during the first half of a NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) breaks up a pass to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) celebrates a touchdown on an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Bates, 29, was originally drafted by Cincinnati in the second round (54th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has started all 139 games he's played in the NFL with the Bengals (2018-22) and Falcons (2023-26). Bates' career totals include 869 tackles (12 for loss), 74 passes defensed, 28 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, six quarterback hits, four touchdowns, four fumble recoveries and 1.0 sack.
Since entering the NFL in 2018, he leads the NFL in passes defensed (74) and forced fumbles (14), and is tied for first in interceptions returned for touchdowns (four), second in tackles (869) and tied second in interceptions (28) among safeties. Bates is a three-time second team AP All Pro (2020, '23, '25) and earned Pro Bowl honors following the 2023 season after posting a career-high six interceptions. A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Bates played collegiately at Wake Forest.
Take a look at the Jacksonville Jaguars' current active roster for the 2026 NFL Season.
1 | CB | Montaric Brown
2 | CB | Jourdan Lewis
3 | WR | Jakobi Meyers
4 | CB | Jarrian Jones
5 | RB | LeQuint Allen Jr.
6 | S | Antonio Johnson
7 | WR | Brian Thomas Jr.
9 | P | Logan Cooke
10 | QB | Quinn Ewers
11 | WR | Parker Washington
12 | WR/CB | Travis Hunter
16 | QB | Trevor Lawrence
18 | WR | CJ Williams
19 | WR | Josh Cameron
20 | RB | Ameer Abdullah
21 | CB | Alijah Huzzie
22 | S | Jalen Huskey
23 | LB | Foyesade Oluokun
24 | RB | Chris Rodriguez Jr.
25 | S | Rayuan Lane III
26 | S | Kaevon Merriweather
32 | LB | Jahlani Tavai
33 | RB | Bhayshul Tuten
35 | LB | Jalen McLeod
36 | CB | Jaylon Jones
39 | K | Cam Little
41 | DE | Josh Hines-Allen
44 | DE | Travon Walker
46 | LS | Ross Matiscik
47 | LB | Dennis Gardeck
50 | LB | Branson Combs
51 | LB | Ventrell Miller
57 | DE | Bryan Thomas Jr.
60 | OL | Jonah Monheim
64 | OL | Wyatt Milum
68 | OL | Daniel Faalele
70 | OL | Cole Van Lanen
72 | OL | Walker Little
73 | OL | Robert Hainsey
75 | OL | Emmanuel Pregnon
76 | OL | Ezra Cleveland
80 | TE | Quintin Morris
85 | TE | Brenton Strange
87 | TE | Nate Boerkircher
89 | TE | Tanner Koziol
90 | DE | Wesley Williams
91 | DT | Arik Armstead
92 | DE | Danny Striggow
93 | DT | Matt Dickerson
98 | DT | Albert Regis
99 | DT | Ruke Orhorhoro
#TBD | S | Jessie Bates III
