In a major boost for the Atlanta Falcons’ long-term defensive stability, Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III has publicly declared his intention to re-sign with the franchise, signaling a clear commitment to the team’s ambitious future. The announcement comes after recent comments from Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who expressed unwavering confidence in Bates’ leadership and pivotal role in shaping the team’s defensive identity.
Bates, who originally signed a four-year, $64.02 million contract with the Falcons in March 2023, was one of the marquee additions during Atlanta’s aggressive offseason that year. His deal included a massive $18 million signing bonus and $36 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league at the time.
Now heading into the latter stages of that contract, Bates has made it clear that he envisions his future continuing in Atlanta, citing the team’s positive trajectory under head coach Raheem Morris and the front office’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.
“I want to be here,” Bates said during a recent media session. “This city, this locker room, this coaching staff—they’ve believed in me since day one, and I want to finish what we started here. I believe in the vision, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot echoed that sentiment earlier this week during his offseason press conference, saying, “Jessie has been everything we hoped for and more, both on and off the field. He’s a leader, a tone-setter, and a culture builder for us. Our goal is to keep great players like Jessie in Atlanta long-term, and those discussions are ongoing.”
Bates was an instant difference-maker in his first season with the Falcons, earning Pro Bowl honors after leading the team in interceptions, while also becoming a respected veteran voice in the locker room. His elite play on the backend of the defense was a key reason Atlanta remained competitive throughout the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, even as the team went through growing pains at quarterback and other key positions.
Sources close to the Falcons’ front office suggest that preliminary extension talks could begin later this offseason, with both sides motivated to strike a deal before the start of the 2025 regular season.
With the Falcons now emerging as serious NFC contenders—especially after key offseason acquisitions and the growth of young stars on both sides of the ball—the retention of Jessie Bates III would be yet another statement of intent from an organization that believes its championship window is just opening.
For now, Bates remains focused on football and leadership, but his public commitment to Atlanta is a reassuring signal for Falcons fans hoping to see No. 3 in red and black for many more seasons to come.
