Report: Falcons signing Jessie Bates to 4-year, $64M deal

The Atlanta Falcons are signing safety Jessie Bates to a four-year, $64.02-million deal, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Bates gets $36 million fully guaranteed as well as $23 million in Year 1, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Bates' $16.005-million annual average salary makes him the NFL's fourth-highest-paid safety, according to Over The Cap.

The 26-year-old Bates was a second-round pick in the 2018 draft out of Wake Forest. He spent five years with the Cincinnati Bengals and played the 2023 season under the franchise tag.

Bates started 16 regular-season games last season, racking up four interceptions and 71 tackles.

The Falcons started a busy first day of free agency with a big-money extension for standout guard Chris Lindstrom and the addition of veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata. Atlanta also later agreed to terms with former Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $21.5-million contract, according to Rapoport. Elliss recorded 78 tackles and seven sacks for New Orleans in 2022.

Atlanta's defense struggled against the pass last season, ranking 25th in average yards allowed through the air. Bates, Onyemata, and Elliss will attempt to help that unit improve under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.