The Atlanta Falcons have been without Jessie Bates III for the last week of training camp due to a back injury, which Kevin Stefanski labeled as minor. With him entering a contract year, Bates was floated in trade talks earlier this summer--and now they are resurfacing. And while that would mean finding a replacement for Bates, the Falcons wouldn't be lacking in safety talent thanks to emerging second-year player Xavier Watts." Rather than trading Bates for a 2027 third-round pick, the Falcons could explore a contract extension. Unless the Atlanta Falcons completely fall out of the playoff picture later this season, Jessie Bates III remains far more valuable wearing Atlanta red and black than bringing back a mid-round draft pick.