Though we can criticize his track record in the draft, we have to give Terry Fontenot his flowers for his work in free agency. Since taking over as the Falcons’ GM, Fontenot’s most notable deals include Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, Jessie Bates III, Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Justin Simmons. All of those deals have worked out, which is rare in free agency.
The jewel of his tenure as Atlanta’s GM has to be Jessie Bates III, though. It’s only been one season and five games, but I’ve already made the case that he’s done more in that period than any other Falcons free agent signing in history.
In his first season with the Falcons, Bates earned his first Pro Bowl nod along with his second All-Pro nomination, a campaign in which he set career highs across the board. Bates tallied three forced fumbles, six interceptions, and 128 tackles and was primarily responsible for a couple of Atlanta’s wins.
He’s continued that excellent play in 2024. Bates had the game-sealing interception against the Eagles, and that game-altering presence showed up again last week in the win over the Buccaneers as he punched the ball out twice.
Through five games this season, he’s totaled 37 tackles, one for loss, one interception, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. Jessie Bates is once again playing at an elite level, and Justin Simmons believes he’s deserving of DPOY recognition.
https://twitter.com/jsimms1119/status/1842381215359250852
It’s early in the season, and Bates will have to continue to compile turnovers and other notable plays, but acting like he’s incapable of being in the discussion is asinine. It’s essentially a pass rusher’s award in today’s NFL; however, Bates is undoubtedly among the best defensive players in the league.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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