Commanders officially put their name in the race to sign one of the most popular football players available
The allegations against former Washington Commanders kicker Brandon McManus turned the team's plan for the position upside-down, as the veteran was basically a lock to win the job.Washington signed Ramiz Ahmed exactly one week ago, but it became clear on Tuesday that the Commanders are still weighing options after a report surfaced regarding two kickers […]
The allegations against former Washington Commanders kicker Brandon McManus turned the team's plan for the position upside-down, as the veteran was basically a lock to win the job.
Washington signed Ramiz Ahmed exactly one week ago, but it became clear on Tuesday that the Commanders are still weighing options after a report surfaced regarding two kickers working out in Andre Szmyt and Matt McCrane.
That's not all, either. Per KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the Commanders have officially put in a request to host USFL all-conference kicker Jake Bates for a visit.
Bates has reaped the rewards of his time in the UFL with the Michigan Panthers, clearly garnering the attention of a host of NFL teams that Wilson included in his report.
He's turned heads with a host of bright moments, including the team's season-opener against the St. Louis Battlehawks on March 30. Bates nailed a 64-yard field goal as time ticked off the clock to lead the Panthers to victory.
It marked the second-longest field goal in professional football history. It is second to only the 66-yard game-winner by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in 2021, which just so happened to also be attempted at Ford Field in Detroit.
With the opportunity varying from team to team for Bates to be an insurance policy or something more, how he capitalizes on the interest he's received will be something to keep an eye on.
A host of players have risen from startup football leagues and made waves in the NFL, and Bates has a chance to be the next to do so.
