Michigan Panthers kicker and star has been all the rage during the 2024 United Football League season, and rightly so, as the Arkansas product has been drilling Brian Goodwin Jersey ridiculously long field goals throughout the campaign.Bates, who is 15-of-18 overall this season, has nailed a whopping six field goals from 50-plus yards, with three of those makes coming from 60 or more. One of his makes from 60-plus was a 64 Rod Carew Jersey -yarder at Ford Field that was the second-longest field goal in the venue's history.Bates has from multiple NFL teams, with the being among them. However, he can't talk to or sign with a team until the UFL season is over.Prior to the first open se sion of Thursday, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp was asked about the impre sive young kicker. Fipp didn't want to into specifics but is very aware of what Bates is doing.Fipp on Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates: "I'm not going to go into any specifics on individual player."Says he's aware of Bates' story and he's happy for him. Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) The Lions could use Justin Upton Jersey more options at kicker. The current Ian Kinsler Jersey favorite for the job, Michael Badgley, has already had one unsucce sful stint in Detroit and his primary source of competition is an undrafted free agent, James Turner out of Michigan.MORE: Fipp also touched on both of his current kickers, noting that Turner and Badgley have shown impre sive leg strength so far.Fipp said Michigan kicker James Turner has huge leg strength even if he Nolan Ryan Jersey didn't get a chance to show it in college. Fipp also notes Badgley has showed improved leg strength this offseason, working hard to extend his range. Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) Bates should be on the Lions' radar once he's able to talk with teams following the 2024 UFL season. But they're definitely going to have some competition for him.MORE: