Jaguars Acquire Safety Jessie Bates III
Jacksonville sends a second-round and fifth-round pick to Atlanta for the veteran defensive back.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick. The trade was completed on a Monday morning, with Bates in a contract year.
Why it matters
The move gives Jacksonville an established veteran in the secondary as the team pursues a Super Bowl run. Bates can play 18 games this season because Atlanta has not yet taken its bye week and Jacksonville has already taken its own.
The NFL regular season is 17 games, and Bates can play 18 this year by avoiding a bye week. Jacksonville sent a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to Atlanta in the deal.
The players
Jessie Bates III
Veteran NFL safety who was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2026 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The NFL franchise based in Jacksonville, Florida, which acquired Bates in the trade.
Atlanta Falcons
The NFL franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, which traded Bates to Jacksonville for draft picks.
The details
Jacksonville traded its second- and fifth-round picks to Atlanta for Bates, who was in a contract year. Because the Falcons have not taken a bye and the Jaguars already have, Bates would play every remaining Jacksonville game and finish with 18 total games.
Timeline
Week 9: Falcons completed nine games and Jaguars completed eight; the trade occurred on a Monday morning.
Week 10: Jacksonville could hold Bates out to acclimate after the trade.
Week 18: Jacksonville may rest starters if its seeding is already clinched.
Roadmap
Mid-season trades like this one show contenders converting draft capital into immediate veteran depth in the secondary. The deal also reflects how a player's bye-week schedule can factor into a team's acquisition decision.
Fantasy managers should note that Bates's workload in Jacksonville's secondary will determine his fantasy relevance. Season-long roster decisions may hinge on whether the Jaguars keep him active for every remaining game.
The takeaway
Trades like this one reward teams that calculate bye-week and game-count details alongside talent. Readers following the Jaguars should watch how quickly Bates integrates into the defense.
What happens next
Bates's role and availability will become clearer as the Jaguars play their remaining regular-season games, including the Week 18 finale.
Further reading
For more on the team's moves, see Football coverage on Wisevoter.
