Ranking the top 10 NFL free agent moves of 2023
10. Jessie Bates, S, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons entered the offseason with the second-most available cap space and used a large portion of it (four years, $64 million) on one of the NFL’s best safeties. Bates played the 2022 season on the franchise tag for the Cincinnati Bengals, racking up four interceptions, four pass breakups and an opponent passer rating of 97.6.
Let’s do one more Jessie Bates clip tonight. He covers so much ground. pic.twitter.com/spkAJHwGrB
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) March 9, 2023
Over the last three seasons, only Kevin Byard (Tennessee Titans) and Marcus Williams (Baltimore Ravens) have a better PFF coverage grade than Bates’ 90.5. Atlanta allowed the eighth-most passing yards (3,942) in the NFL last season and started a couple of role players (Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins) at safety. Bates adds a true difference-maker to this secondary and rebuilding defense that’s in dire need of one.
