Jaguars boost chances of winning AFC South, land Falcons DB Jessie Bates III

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The pathway to winning the AFC South just became a tad more challenging for the Houston Texans entering Week 10.

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According to reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are going all in for 2026 and bolstering up their secondary by acquiring veteran safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons n exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Bates, a former Pro Bowler and one of the top coverage safeties in the league, is in the final year of a four-year, $64 million contract. He is expected to replace former Texans starter Eric Murray, who will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an elbow injury earlier this month.

The Jaguars (6-2) currently hold a three-game lead of the Texans in the division rankings following their Thursday night win over the Baltimore Ravens. Bates, who became a key defender during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, has 28 career interceptions and 67 pass breakups.

Houston picked apart Jacksonville's secondary in a 34-31 win in London back in Week 6. C.J. Stroud threw for over 300 yards and three touchdown passes, while also having six throw of over 20 yards downfield.

Jacksonville's secondary, headlined by former No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, has been the weak spot on a team that seems poised to make a postseason run. Despite having a top-five run defense, the Jaguars rank 22nd in pass defense but rank third in interceptions.

The Texans take on the Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 20, at Reliant Stadium. Depending on how improved Houston can become record-wise, this could be a division-clinching scenario for the Jaguars.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Jaguars boost chances of winning AFC South, land Falcons DB Jessie Bates III

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