Jessie Bates III earns selection to CBS Sports NFL survivor squad

Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III has been named to the CBS Sports survivor team, which highlights one player or coach from each NFL franchise. Analyst Jared Dubin designated the veteran as his starting box safety alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The recognition follows Bates' performance last season, where he frequently lined up in the box according to Pro Football Focus tracking. Bates enters the upcoming 2026 season in the final year of his current contract, carrying a cap hit just under $25 million. Reports indicate that an extension could potentially save the Falcons approximately $10 million against the salary cap. The Falcons are scheduled to begin their season in less than one week.

• 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons safety named to NFL analyst's survivor squad