August 21, 2024
ANALYSISThis isn't a surprise. However, the Falcons signing fellow safety
Justin Simmons and trading for outside linebacker
Matthew Judon late in training camp was a major surprise. The newcomers are listed as backups on the official depth chart, but that's expected to change as they get acclimated to head coach Raheem Morris' scheme. Bates starred during his first season in Atlanta last year, finishing with 133 tackles (89 solo), 11 pass defenses, six interceptions, three forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown across 17 appearances.