The Jacksonville Jaguars signed tight end Brenden Bates to the practice squad on Sept. 22, 2026. Bates, 26, brings NFL experience from four teams after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with Chicago in 2024.
Bates has appeared in 16 NFL games, including three starts, with the Bears, Jets, Browns and Texans. He has recorded four career receptions for 48 yards.
Bates has ties to Kentucky and Jacksonville
Bates is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Kentucky from 2018 through 2023. He played in 57 games with 26 starts for the Wildcats, recording 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
Bates also crossed paths with several current Jacksonville figures at Kentucky. He spent time with Head Coach Liam Coen in 2021 and 2023, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen in 2018 and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. from 2018 through 2022.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end group
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2026 active roster lists Quintin Morris, Brenton Strange, Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol at tight end. Bates joins the practice squad after appearing in 16 NFL games and making three starts.
His addition gives the Jacksonville Jaguars a tight end with experience across the Bears, Jets, Browns and Texans. Bates also brings a connection to Coen, Hines-Allen and Rodriguez from his time at Kentucky.
FSB Take
The Jacksonville Jaguars added an experienced tight end to their practice squad in Bates. His NFL career includes 16 games and four receptions for 48 yards, while his Kentucky career included 57 games, 26 starts, 26 receptions, 272 yards and two touchdowns.
Source: Original report