The Detroit Lions Should Sign Michigan Panthers Kicker

The Michigan Panthers won their home opener with a 64-yard field goal in the Detroit Lions house at Ford Field last Sunday. The Lions should sign the Panthers kicker.

Detroit Lions Known for Great Field Goal Kickers in the Past

The Detroit Lions have not been the best team since the late '60s but they sure have had some of the best field goal kickers in NFL history. Jason Hanson still holds the record for most field goals made 40 yards plus out of his amazing 495 career field goals. For most of Hanson's career, it was money when he went to kick a field goal for the Lions.

Eddie Murray was the Lion's kicker during the 80s and another reliable kicker. Murray went to two Pro Bowls during his 1980-1991 career in Detroit. Murray won a Super Bowl when he played for the Dallas Cowboys. But ever since Murray and Hanson the Lions have struggled in the kicking department.

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Detroit Lions Should Hire the Michigan Panthers Kicker Jake Bates

The one weapon Lions coach Dan Campbell has not had in his tenure in Detroit so far is a reliable field goal kicker. It wasn't until mid-December that the team settled on Michael Badgley as the kicker. Badgley did pretty well helping them finish the season but I believe the team needs someone more permanent and reliable.

The Michigan Panther's home opener at Ford Field against the St. Lousie Battlehawks came down to a 64-year field goal by Jake Bates giving them the win 18-16. Watch the video of the amazing kick above.

According to The Detroit Line Facebook page, the Lions have spoken to Panthers Kicker Jake Bates about being a part of training camp. We will see how this develops moving forward. Bates's 64-yard field goal is the longest of his career in spring football history and the second-longest kick in Ford Field history, behind Justin Tucker's 66-yard field goal in 2021.