Liam Coen explains why Jessie Bates III was a 'no-brainer' fit, trade
JAGUARS BLOCKBUSTER: Why Jaguars traded for Jessie Bates III and how he changes defense Bates, 29, was acquired by the Jaguars in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.
Key points
- Why Jessie Bates III's leadership and durability matter to the Jaguars Bates' value goes beyond his individual production, especially for a Jaguars secondary that has dealt with several injuries this season.
- "Anytime you add a veteran player that's been a captain, that's been a leader, you know that's helpful." Coen compared Bates' character and competitive approach to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, whom the Jaguars acquired via trade last season.
- As the Jaguars worked to acquire the veteran safety from the Atlanta Falcons, Coen said he received numerous messages from people who had coached or worked with Bates, all praising his character and ability to make those around him better.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen didn't have to look far for endorsements of safety Jessie Bates III.
What Jessie Bates III brings to the Jaguars defense Coen knows Bates, having coached against him twice during his stint as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024.
Additional details
- "Instincts, awareness, route recognition, concept ID, sure tackler at the second and third levels, you know, ability to see things before they happen," Coen said when asked what stood out about Bates.
- Coen believes Bates' experience and leadership will benefit the group, especially considering his previous role as a captain and his experience reaching Super Bowl LVI with the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Beyond Bates' playmaking and turnover-forcing ability, Coen pointed to his intelligence and understanding of opposing offenses as traits that make him particularly valuable.
- Coen said Bates' ability to recognize an offense before and after the snap allows him to consistently put himself in position to make a difference.
- With veteran safety Eric Murray sidelined for the rest of the year, the Jaguars have relied on a mix of youth and veteran experience at the position, with Rayuan Lane III and Kaevon Merriweather filling in for Murray most often, along with fourth-year safety Antonio Johnson.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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