Jessie Bates: Everything you need to know

Bates posted 98 total tackles (57 solo), six passes defensed, including three interceptions, and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season games in 2025. The veteran safety from Wake Forest was one of the Falcons' top defenders in 2025, finishing with the second-most tackles and tying for the second-most interceptions on the team. However, he posted fewer total tackles (98 to 102), passes defensed (10 to six) and forced fumbles (four to one) than in 2024, despite playing 36 more defensive snaps this season. While Bates' production has taken a dip in two consecutive seasons, he remains one of the NFL's premier safeties. Under contract through the 2026 season, he's expected to remain one of the Falcons' top defensive playmakers next year.

Bates totaled seven tackles (four solo) and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown, in Monday's 27-24 victory against the Rams. Bates played a major role in the Falcons' upset victory, giving Atlanta a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter when he picked off Matthew Stafford and return the ball 34 yards for a touchdown. That was the veteran safety's fourth career defensive touchdown, three of which have come during his three seasons in Atlanta. Bates also tied for second on the Falcons with seven stops Monday and needs five more tackles against the Saints in Week 18 to reach the triple-digit tackle mark for the third consecutive campaign.

Bates tallied three tackles (two solo) during Atlanta's win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Bates had a quiet outing in the victory, recording just three tackles despite playing all 57 defensive snaps for the Falcons. The 28-year-old will aim to have a bounce-back performance and resume his usual level of production during the Week 17 games versus the Rams.