With the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 opener less than a week away, there have never been more questions about their quarterback room. On the bright side, this is still a talented roster on both sides of the ball and they have one of the best safety units in the entire NFL.
On one side the Falcons are starting second-year stud Xavier Watts, who some analysts think could be an All-Pro this year. Lining up on the other side is long-time veteran Jessie Bates III, a former Pro Bowler who's been playing at a high level for nine years now.
Bates has been named to CBS Sports' survivor squad - taking one player or coach from each team. Jared Dubin has him as his starting box safety next to Tampa's Antoine Winfield Jr. at deep safety.
"Using Bates as the box safety
might seem odd, but he actually played there more often than he played deep last year, according to Pro Football Focus. He's been one of the best safeties in the league for years now, and it's about time that we found a way to get him onto this roster."
Bates is entering the final year of his contract with the Falcons with a cap number just under $25 million for the season. If Matt Ryan feels like making one more move before the season begins to free up some cap space, he should seriously consider giving Bates an extension - which could save the team around $10 million according to Over the Cap.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons safety named to NFL analyst's survivor squad
