Kicker Jake Bates is currently impressing in the UFL with successful field goals from over 60 yards. Numerous NFL teams are said to have already made contact without permission.

Kicker Jake Bates is currently causing a sensation in the newly founded UFL football league. With successful field goals from 64, 52 and 62 yards, the Michigan Panthers player has impressed on the first two match days and is apparently already attracting interest from the NFL.

However, coach Mike Nolan has now made it clear that interested teams will have to put the brakes on Bates’ future for the time being.

“Outsiders don’t really come in contact with our players too often during the season,” Nolan is quoted as saying by the Detroit Free Press. “But with Jake, some of them kind of try to do that. Hopefully that calms down a little bit, because that’s not good.”

The coach clarified that both teams and agents were currently contacting the 24-year-old. “They shouldn’t do that. Maybe that’s just a rumor, but I heard something the other day and I was like, ‘Let’s nip that in the bud,’ because I want Jake to do well and I want him to have a chance,” Nolan continued.

An NFL spokesman, when asked by the Detroit Free Press, emphasized that NFL teams can contact UFL teams about their players. However, NFL teams are not allowed to contact players under contract with the UFL or speak with their agents.

UFL players also cannot sign with an NFL team until the end of the UFL season.

Kicker Jake Bates: NFL teams are not allowed to contact him

“It’s not that an NFL team can sign them today. The most important thing is that the players stay focused and I keep an eye on them. I treat them like they’re my own kids,” said coach Nolan, standing protectively in front of his protégé.

Bates played for the Arkansas Razorbacks in college, and as an undrafted free agent in the 2023 class, he participated in training camp with the Houston Texans a year ago. However, he only appeared in one preseason game before top dog Ka’imi Fairbairn retained the starter position and Bates had to leave the team again.