The Detroit Lions might have failed to make the playoff field, but that doesn't mean there isn't something to be learned from the NFL playoffs' opening round. The Philadelphia Eagles were forced to go for a late fourth-and-long well within field goal range thanks to a missed extra-point attempt from Jake Elliott. The once reliable kicker had proven to be untrustworthy throughout the 2025 season, and still, the Eagles insisted on entering the playoffs without a second option.
Green Bay has a similar story with Brandon McManus struggling early in the year and following this up with a postseason meltdown. The biggest piece of the Packers' giving up an 18-point lead in the second half against the Chicago Bears was the failure of their kicker. McManus missed two field goals and a PAT that would've made the game completely different and likely allowed the Packers to hold onto an early lead.
This serves as a lesson for the Lions when it comes to Jake Bates' future. While there isn't a reason to part ways with him just yet, his shortcomings this season have left Detroit fans to wonder if he should be the go-to option next season, or if the NFL postseason has the front office rethinking those plans.
NFL Playoffs' Kicker Woes Could Have Lions Rethinking Jake Bates' Future
This isn't to suggest that the Lions need to cut Bates or make any rash decisions, but rather endorsing bringing in a second option. Detroit had a front row seat to watching what happens when you put blind faith in a once reliable kicker. It cost two teams their playoff spots and left two experienced veterans with a long offseason ahead that likely will set up an exit from their respective teams.
Last season, Bates' leg was among the NFL's best, as he nailed 26-of-29 field-goal tries (89.7%), which included going six-of-eight (75.0%) from beyond 50 yards. His 2025 performance was a huge downgrade from that, though. He only managed to nail 79.4% of his FG attempts (27-of-34), and was a pedestrian four-of-nine (44.4%) on 50-plus-yard tries.
With this in mind, the Lions need to explore finding additional depth behind their current kicker. Whether that's through the 2026 NFL draft or free agency, general manager Brad Holmes will have plenty of options to give Bates some much-needed competition.
There simply isn't anything to be lost by inviting more depth to the current roster and becoming familiar with fallback scoring options. For Bates, perhaps it will invite a bit of urgency as well to return to form. If not, the Lions could have a new No. 1 kicker once the 2026 NFL season begins.