FantasyPros Accuracy Award

2025 Accuracy Award Winner

Close FantasyPros Accuracy Award
Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Falcons reel in new starting safety

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Thu, Jul 13 2023 6:27 PM UTC
        Jessie Bates Headshot

        The Falcons have agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal with S Jessie Bates III, according to multiple sources. Bates is coming off arguably his worst season, his fifth with Cincinnati. Bates' final two years with the Bengals were marred by contract squabbles, as he sought an extension and then played 2022 on the franchise tag. His tackles dwindled, despite no significant change to his role. And Bates matched the lowest Pro Football Focus coverage grade of his career, just two seasons after he led all safeties in overall PFF grade. Atlanta clearly believes the 26-year-old will rebound. We're betting he'll take over the role Jaylinn Hawkins played last year and start next to former second-round pick Richie Grant. The Falcons' safety roles proved nearly interchangeable in terms of where they lined up, which could mean a little more time in the box for Bates. Like Atlanta, we don't have any real long-term concern for Bates' performance. Check out where he sits in our dynasty rankings.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and in-season tools. He currently ranks ninth among 173 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        9:16pm UTC 9/30/25

        Woody Marks tops Week 5 waivers, but first we hit the fallout from injuries to Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers. Plus top QB and defense streamers for the bye weeks.

        Read More »
        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        11:47am UTC 9/30/25

        Week 4 gave us a pair of breakthrough RB performances ... and a pair of killer WR injuries. Those factors plus a hot new QB candidate drive these Week 5 waiver wire targets.

        Read More »
        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        10:22pm UTC 9/29/25

        Need a streaming defense for Week 5? The Cleveland Browns may be a long way from Ohio, but their defense will be right at home in fantasy lineups.

        Read More »
        Money Back You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2025, and we’ll give you 100% of your subscription money back. No strings attached.  You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »