Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is playing at a high level this season, making 19 of 20 field goals (95%) and 44 of 45 extra points (97.7%). How much is he getting paid to kick for the Super Bowl contender? Let’s examine Bates’ contract and salary.
How Much Is Jake Bakes Getting Paid? Examining His Contract and Salary
Bates took an unconventional path to the NFL. In college, Bates was a soccer player at Central Arkansas who transferred to Texas State to handle kickoffs. In 2022, he walked on at Arkansas and became their kickoff specialist as well.
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he thought his playing days were over. He got a job as a brick salesman at Acme Brick in Houston.
“Eighteen months ago, I thought I was done with football,” Bates said recently. “I was working as a brick salesman in Houston. I thought the dream was dead.”
In December 2023, he tried out for the UFL and earned a spot on the Michigan Panthers, where he attempted to kick field goals for the first time in his life. After making 77.2% of his kicks (including a 64-yarder, 62-yarder, and 60-yarder), the Detroit Lions signed him.
On June 18, 2024, Bates signed a two-year, $1.98 million contract with the Lions. This deal included a $100,000 signing bonus and $150,000 guaranteed. In 2024, Bates’ base salary is $795,000, and he has a $50,000 roster bonus. His cap hit for this season is $895,000.
Bates has an average annual salary of $990,000, which ranks 33rd among all NFL kickers this season. For reference, the highest-paid kickers in the league are Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker ($6.4 million), Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott ($6 million), and Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker ($6 million).
Bates’ net worth is currently estimated to be $1 million.
In Week 10, Bates returned to Houston, where he was selling bricks not long ago. He drilled a 52-yard game-winner (as well as a 58-yarder) to lift the Lions past the Houston Texans 26-23.
“It’s definitely something like I couldn’t have even dreamt of,” Bates said.
Bates was recently named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November after drilling 8 of 9 field goals (including a perfect 4 of 4 from 50+ yards) and 17 of 17 extra points.
“There are a lot of days where it feels it’s never going to happen,” Bates said after signing with the Lions. “There are a lot of days where you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But good things come to those who work hard. What’s done in the dark will come to light eventually — whether that be tomorrow or in five years.”