Falcons safety Jessie Bates faces former Bengals team in Madrid
The gist
Falcons safety Jessie Bates III faces the Bengals, his team from 2018-2022, in Madrid on Sunday.
Bates says he hasn't made the playoffs since leaving Cincinnati.
How it unfolded
- recentlyBates signed with the Falcons on a four-year deal worth just over $64 million after leaving Cincinnati in free agency.
- Oct 26, 2026Coverage of Falcons vs. 49ers noted Bates' big plays and Atlanta's identity on display.
- Oct 28, 2026Bates said of Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., "I really, truly believe that he's a franchise quarterback."
Key terms
- free agency
- A professional athlete who is not under contract with any team and is free to sign with another.
- All-Pro
- An honor given to the best professional American football player at each position in a given season, chosen by press organizations.
- Pro Bowl
- The annual all-star game of the National Football League featuring the league's star players.
Source: Wikipedia