After a disappointing 2025 season, the Detroit Lions didn't panic. Even though some fans were hoping for big, blockbuster moves to radically revamp the roster, the front office largely stood pat. They didn't swing for a splashy addition. Instead, they believed in their depth, quality, and player development.
One of the more surprising positions that they decided to stand pat on was kicker. After an impressive rookie campaign in 2024, Jake Bates took a big step back last season, missing seven field goals. He was 13/20 in field goals over 40 yards and was one of the more disappointing kickers in the NFL.
Despite this, the Lions refused to bring in any competition. The team spoke highly of Bates at every turn, denying that there was any concern.
Lions can't ignore the potential Jake Bates problem any longer
But Bates didn't do anything to alleviate the concerns that a lot of fans had about him going into next season. In fact, the preseason only added to these concerns.
After missing a 55-yard field goal against the Commanders in Preseason Week 2, Bates missed two extra point attempts against the Colts on Saturday.
Even though going 1/3 on extra point attempts should worry any coaching staff, Campbell said Bates "will be fine," after the Colts win, per Lions insider Nolan Bianchi. Campbell added that the third-year kicker "just pushed them a little bit" and that he's not worried about Bates at all.
Of course, it's Campbell and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp who watch Bates in practice every day. There must be a reason they continue to believe in him. But it's not like training camp watchers were particularly impressed with Bates this summer.
This is especially difficult to understand when the Lions should have an excellent alternative on the market. After Sunday's roster cutdown deadline, the perfect replacement or competition for Bates just hit the market.
Blake Grupe was cut by the Indianapolis Colts following Spencer Shrader's impressive preseason. NFL insider Mike Garafolo shared that Grupe had a 90% make rate in training camp. The 27-year-old kicker had converted all 11 of his field goals last season after joining the Colts. Between the Saints and the Colts, Grupe has an 81.9% field goal accuracy and 98% XP accuracy for his career.
Teams now have until 1 pm EST on Monday to make their waiver claims. Grupe has to clear waivers before becoming a free agent who can sign anywhere. The Lions could try to claim him off waivers, or wait until he is a free agent and sign him to the practice squad.
There is no reason why the Lions should begin the season without having challenged Jake Bates for his job. Ignoring this issue was a mistake all offseason, and there is no reason that it should continue into the season.
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