Jake Bates

The Lions signed Bates to a two-year deal in mid-June after the powerful kicker finished a successful season with the UFL's Michigan Panthers. In the spring league, Bates connected on a 64-yard field goal, 2 yards shy of the NFL record, on his first ever field goal attempt in a game and then hit two more 60-yard kicks during the remainder of the season. He was 6 for 10 from 50-plus and had just one miss on his other 12 attempts during the regular season but went just 4 for 6 in the UFL playoffs. He was expected to compete with Michael Badgley for the Lions' kicking job but the incumbent suffered a season-ending injury during the first week of camp. The Lions have a high-powered offense, so Bates could get plenty of scoring chances if he can hold off any other competition the team brings in, making him a potentially attractive Fantasy asset during the year.