Bates, 29, was originally drafted by Cincinnati in the second round (54th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has started all 139 games he’s played in the NFL with the Bengals (2018-22) and Falcons (2023-26). Bates’ career totals include 869 tackles (12 for loss), 74 passes defensed, 28 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, six quarterback hits, four touchdowns, four fumble recoveries and 1.0 sack.
Since entering the NFL in 2018, he leads the NFL in passes defensed (74) and forced fumbles (14), and is tied for first in interceptions returned for touchdowns (four), second in tackles (869) and tied second in interceptions (28) among safeties. Bates is a three-time second team AP All Pro (2020, ’23, ’25) and earned Pro Bowl honors following the 2023 season after posting a career-high six interceptions. A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Bates played collegiately at Wake Forest.
