Key Takeaways:
– The Denver Broncos may be considering signing UFL star kicker Jake Bates.
– Denver’s current kicker, Wil Lutz, has not been consistent in his performance.
– Bates has made 12-of-14 field goal attempts in the current UFL season.
– His unique path to professional football makes him an interesting prospect.
– Lutz’s record with the Broncos suggests he remains their first choice.
Competition Looms for Broncos’ Wil Lutz
Denver Broncos’ head coach, Sean Payton, traded for veteran kicker Wil Lutz last season, but with mixed results. While Lutz’s performance with the New Orleans Saints was commendable, his consistency in Denver has been somewhat shaky. He connected only on 7-of-10 field goals beyond 40 yards last season, leaving room for competition.
Potential Rival in Jake Bates
Jake Bates of the UFL Michigan Panthers has been tipped as the next potential rival for Lutz. According to Gordon McGuinness of PFF, Bates would be a promising addition to the Broncos squad once the UFL’s league play concludes in June. Bates currently holds a whooping 90.3 field goal grade, leading all kickers. His substantial kicking strength has seen him achieve over 60-yard goals with relative ease.
While Lutz has experienced a somewhat decline in performance, Bates has been successful in 12 out of 14 field goal attempts, with three of them being over 60 yards. His exceptional performance has earned him third place in the UFL MVP power rankings, leaving him behind only Adrian Martinez and A.J. McCarron.
Bates’ Journey to Professional Football
Bates’ ascent to professional football has been rather unique, demonstrating his determination and hard work. His college career, which began in Texas State where he focused only on kickoffs, transferred to Arkansas where he was the primary placekicker, earning him the All-SEC honors. After going undrafted, Bates was signed and subsequently released by the Houston Texans. His prospects improved when he was signed by the Michigan Panthers in December 2023.
Bates’ Stretches His Capability
The highlight of his 2024 UFL season was his 64-yard game-winning field goal for the Panthers against the St. Louis Battlehawks. What made this even more momentous was that this was his first field goal attempt since his high school days. Bates’s powerful kick was only behind Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker’s 66-yard field goal in terms of distance in the record books. Interestingly, the Broncos might take note of this considering both record-long kicks occurred at Ford Field, a stadium that has similar air conditions to Denver’s.
Lutz’s Dominance in The Broncos
Despite the potential competition, Wil Lutz has a pretty solid record with Denver Broncos. Having connected on 30-of-34 field goal attempts in the last season, his success rate stands at 88.2%, ranking him third in team history among players who have made at least 25 field goals. His performance last season also tied for the second-most field-goal makes in a single season, positioning him just behind Broncos Ring of Fame Member Jason Elam.
Moreover, Lutz was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November 2023, hitting all 11 field goal attempts in three games. His crucial performance during the 24-22 victory over the Buffalo Bills, where he scored a game-winning 36-yards, further solidifies his position as a preferred choice. However, given Payton’s approach, a backup plan involving Bates could be on the cards.