FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kevin Stefanski was asked at Annual League Meetings just last week about the traits of players who last in the league. He said there's a clear through line when it comes to the wiring of those types of guys. They are the ones who are never satisfied, the ones who are constantly wanting to learn, grow and reach a new level of their game.
A week later, that is exactly who Jessie Bates III reiterated that he is.
"I say every year you have something to prove," Bates said the day after players reported to the Falcons' facility for OTAs. "Every single year you have to prove to whoever it is that you're still this player, or this leader. Whatever it is, you want to go and prove to somebody that you're still that guy."
Bates may be entering into Year 9, but that doesn't change his personal approach, especially with new leadership in place with Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan.
The veteran safety is on the final year of a four-year contract he signed with Atlanta back in 2023. He understands that makes the waters of his future a little murky at the moment, but that doesn't change how he operates.
"I think every year is a one-year contract," Bates said. "Things can change. People can get traded, get cut. That's the mindset you gotta have when you're talking about a one-year approach. Whether I had two years left on my deal or I had one, I would come in here and work like I only had one."
Bates learned that mindset well before 2026. Like Stefanski, he saw the best of the best stand by it throughout their careers.
"You have to be able to have a system that you operate on no matter if you're feeling good, if you're not feeling well, whether you got the biggest contract, whether you don't," Bates said. "You have to operate in these types of systems. I think the best players do."
For Bates — and the Falcons defense as a whole — the slate isn't entirely clean. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich remains in place, along with several returning assistants. While that continuity helps, it also sharpens Bates' focus.
Ulbrich already knows what to expect from him. Now, Bates wants to earn that same trust from the new faces in the building.
"We have Brich and our defensive staff for the most part, familiar faces to come to work to," Bates said, "but at the same time I am like, I want to go show Coach Stefanski that I'm that guy, not just as a player but as a leader."
Asked about his future, Bates confirmed he has not been approached by Falcons leadership about a potential extension. Still, he made it clear how much Atlanta means to him.
"Yeah, absolutely," Bates said when asked if he would like to continue his career in Atlanta. "I want to retire as a Falcon. I have a beautiful house here, a beautiful family. My family loves it here. Why would I not want to be a Falcon?"
And even though that future is not set in stone at this point, Bates enters into 2026 with the same mindset he began his career with: nothing is given in this league, everything is earned. Even for the savviest of veterans.
