Atlanta Falcons trade safety, captain Jessie Bates III to Jacksonville Jaguars

A day after their overseas loss in Spain, the Atlanta Falcons have traded star safety Jessie Bates III.

The Falcons traded Bates to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN reports. Bates confirmed his new team by posting on X, “WOKE UP A JAGUAR! #DUUUVAL.”

He also wrote that he is “forever grateful” to Atlanta.

WOKE UP A JAGUAR! #DUUUVAL

— Jessie Bates III (@jlbiii3) November 9, 2026

ATL Forever Grateful! 🖤 #JustBelieve

— Jessie Bates III (@jlbiii3) November 9, 2026

ESPN reports that Atlanta will receive a 2027 2nd-round draft pick and 2028 5th-round draft pick from Jacksonville.

The Falcons signed Bates to a 4-year, $64 million deal back in 2023 and the safety quickly became a defensive leader. He recorded a career-high 89 solo tackles and six interceptions that season. So far this year, Bates has 60 combined tackles and one interception.

Bates has been a captain in each of his four seasons with Atlanta.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates and the latest on Channel 2 Action News.

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