Top Available Kickers Waiting To Be Signed
Who are the best kicker free agents available? With the NFL season approaching, teams are looking to add depth to their rosters, and there are a number of talented kickers available on the free agent market.
A kicker free agent is a player who is not currently under contract with an NFL team. These players are available to sign with any team at any time, and they can provide a valuable addition to a team's roster. Kicker free agents can be used to replace injured players, provide depth, or compete for a starting job.
There are a number of reasons why a kicker might become a free agent. Some kickers are released by their teams due to poor performance, while others may choose to leave their teams in search of a better opportunity. Whatever the reason, there are a number of talented kickers available on the free agent market this year.
Here are some of the top kicker free agents available in 2023:
| Name | Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Prater | 38 | 16 seasons |
| Greg Zuerlein | 34 | 11 seasons |
| Cairo Santos | 31 | 8 seasons |
These are just a few of the top kicker free agents available this year. With the NFL season approaching, teams are sure to be interested in adding these players to their rosters.
Kicker Free Agents
Kicker free agents are an important part of the NFL landscape. They provide teams with depth and flexibility at a key position. Here are eight key aspects of kicker free agents:
- Availability
- Experience
- Cost
- Versatility
- Upside
- Injury risk
- Scheme fit
- Special teams impact
When evaluating kicker free agents, teams must consider all of these factors. Availability is important, as teams need to know that a kicker will be available to play when needed. Experience is also important, as teams want kickers who have a proven track record of success. Cost is always a factor, as teams need to be able to afford a kicker who fits within their budget. Versatility is important, as teams want kickers who can handle both field goals and extra points. Upside is important, as teams want kickers who have the potential to improve and become even better. Injury risk is important, as teams need to avoid signing kickers who are injury prone. Scheme fit is important, as teams want kickers who are a good fit for their offensive scheme. Special teams impact is important, as teams want kickers who can contribute to the team's special teams unit.
Kicker free agents can be a valuable addition to any NFL team. By considering all of the key aspects, teams can find a kicker who can help them win games.
1. Availability
Availability is one of the most important factors for kicker free agents. Teams need to know that a kicker will be available to play when needed. This means that kickers need to be healthy and durable. They also need to be able to handle the rigors of the NFL schedule, which includes travel, practices, and games.
There are a number of things that can affect a kicker's availability. Injuries are always a concern, and kickers can be injured in a number of ways, such as getting hit by a blocker or landing awkwardly after a kick. Kickers can also be affected by illness, such as the flu or a cold. In addition, kickers can be suspended for violating NFL rules, such as using performance-enhancing drugs.
Teams can take a number of steps to mitigate the risk of a kicker being unavailable. One step is to sign a kicker who has a good injury history. Another step is to sign a kicker who is durable and can handle the rigors of the NFL schedule. Finally, teams can sign a kicker who is not likely to be suspended for violating NFL rules.
Availability is a key factor for kicker free agents. Teams need to know that a kicker will be available to play when needed. By taking the steps outlined above, teams can mitigate the risk of a kicker being unavailable and improve their chances of success.
2. Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors for kicker free agents. Teams want to know that a kicker has a proven track record of success. This means that kickers need to have experience kicking in the NFL, and they need to have a good field goal percentage. In addition, teams want to know that a kicker has experience kicking in different weather conditions and in different stadiums.
- Regular Season Experience
Kickers who have experience kicking in the regular season have a proven track record of success. They have shown that they can handle the pressure of kicking in front of a large crowd and that they can perform consistently over the course of a long season.
- Playoff Experience
Kickers who have experience kicking in the playoffs have shown that they can perform under pressure. They have shown that they can make big kicks in big games. Playoff experience is a valuable asset for any kicker.
- Clutch Kicking Experience
Clutch kicking experience is the ability to make kicks when the game is on the line. This is a valuable asset for any kicker. Teams want to know that they can count on their kicker to make the big kick when it matters most.
- Experience Kicking in Different Conditions
Kickers who have experience kicking in different weather conditions and in different stadiums have shown that they can adapt to any situation. This is a valuable asset for any kicker. Teams want to know that their kicker can perform in any weather condition and in any stadium.
Experience is a key factor for kicker free agents. Teams want to know that a kicker has a proven track record of success. By considering the facets of experience outlined above, teams can find a kicker who can help them win games.
3. Cost
Cost is a key factor for kicker free agents. Teams need to be able to afford a kicker who fits within their budget. The cost of a kicker can vary depending on a number of factors, including the kicker's experience, performance, and age. In general, kickers with more experience and a proven track record of success will command a higher salary. Kickers who are younger and have less experience will typically be less expensive.
Teams need to weigh the cost of a kicker against the potential benefits. A kicker who is more expensive may be more accurate and reliable, but they may not be worth the extra cost if the team has a limited budget. A kicker who is less expensive may be less accurate and reliable, but they may be a good option for a team that is looking to save money.
Ultimately, the decision of how much to spend on a kicker is up to the team. Teams need to consider their budget, their needs, and the available options before making a decision.
4. Versatility
Versatility is a key aspect of kicker free agents. Teams want kickers who can handle both field goals and extra points. In addition, teams want kickers who can kick off and punt. Kickers who are versatile can provide teams with a number of benefits.
One benefit of having a versatile kicker is that it can help teams save money. Teams do not have to sign multiple kickers to handle different tasks. A versatile kicker can do it all, which can save teams money on their salary cap.
Another benefit of having a versatile kicker is that it can help teams win games. A versatile kicker can give teams a competitive advantage in close games. For example, if a team is trailing by one point at the end of the game, a versatile kicker can kick a field goal to win the game. A versatile kicker can also help teams win games by kicking touchbacks on kickoffs and pinning opponents deep in their own territory with punts.
There are a number of versatile kicker free agents available this year. Some of the top versatile kicker free agents include:
- Matt Prater
- Greg Zuerlein
- Cairo Santos
These are just a few of the top versatile kicker free agents available this year. Teams should consider signing a versatile kicker to help them save money and win games.
5. Upside
Upside is a key aspect of kicker free agents. It refers to the potential for a kicker to improve and become even better. Kickers with upside have the potential to become stars. They have the talent and the work ethic to reach their full potential.
- Athleticism
Athleticism is a key component of upside for kicker free agents. Kickers with good athleticism have the potential to be more accurate and powerful. They can also handle the rigors of the NFL schedule better than kickers who are not as athletic.
- Leg strength
Leg strength is another key component of upside for kicker free agents. Kickers with strong legs have the potential to kick the ball further and with more accuracy. They can also kick the ball higher, which can be an advantage in windy conditions.
- Accuracy
Accuracy is a key component of upside for kicker free agents. Kickers with good accuracy have the potential to make more field goals and extra points. They can also kick the ball to specific spots on the field, which can be an advantage in certain situations.
Upside is a key factor for kicker free agents. Teams want to know that a kicker has the potential to improve and become even better. By considering the facets of upside outlined above, teams can find a kicker who can help them win games.
6. Injury risk
Injury risk is an important factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. Kickers are susceptible to a number of injuries, including leg injuries, back injuries, and groin injuries. Injuries can sideline a kicker for weeks or even months, and they can also impact a kicker's performance when they return to the field.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to injury risk in kickers. One factor is the nature of the kicking motion. Kicking a football requires a lot of power and precision, and this can put a lot of stress on the body. In addition, kickers often practice and play in less-than-ideal conditions, which can also increase their risk of injury.
Teams can take a number of steps to mitigate the risk of injury in kickers. One step is to sign kickers who have a good injury history. Another step is to provide kickers with proper training and conditioning. Finally, teams can make sure that kickers are wearing proper protective gear.
Injury risk is a key factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. By understanding the causes of injury risk and taking steps to mitigate it, teams can improve their chances of finding a kicker who can stay healthy and perform at a high level.
7. Scheme fit
Scheme fit is an important factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. Scheme fit refers to how well a kicker's skills and abilities match the offensive scheme of the team they are signing with. Kickers who have a good scheme fit are more likely to be successful, as they will be able to take advantage of the strengths of the offense and minimize their weaknesses.
- Kicking Style
The kicking style of a kicker can have a big impact on their scheme fit. For example, a kicker who is good at kicking long field goals may be a good fit for a team that has a strong passing attack and needs to be able to score from long distances. Conversely, a kicker who is good at kicking short field goals and extra points may be a good fit for a team that has a strong running game and needs to be able to score consistently from close range.
- Accuracy
Accuracy is another important factor to consider when evaluating a kicker's scheme fit. Kickers who are accurate are more likely to make field goals and extra points, which can be crucial in close games. In addition, accurate kickers can help teams to control the field position by pinning opponents deep in their own territory with kickoffs and punts.
- Leg strength
Leg strength is an important factor to consider for kickers who are expected to kick long field goals. Kickers with strong legs can kick the ball further and with more accuracy, which can give their team a significant advantage in the kicking game.
- Experience
Experience can also play a role in a kicker's scheme fit. Kickers who have experience in a particular scheme are more likely to be successful in that scheme. This is because they will be familiar with the nuances of the scheme and will be able to make adjustments as needed.
Scheme fit is an important factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. By understanding the different facets of scheme fit, teams can improve their chances of finding a kicker who can help them win games.
8. Special teams impact
Special teams impact is an important factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. Kickers who have a positive special teams impact can help their team win games in a number of ways. For example, kickers who are good at making field goals can help their team to score points and win close games. Kickers who are good at kicking off can help their team to gain field position and prevent the other team from scoring. Kickers who are good at punting can help their team to control the field position and pin the other team deep in their own territory.
In addition to making field goals, kickoffs, and punts, kickers can also contribute to special teams in other ways. For example, kickers can be used to hold for placekicks, handle kickoffs, and cover punts. Kickers who are good at these tasks can help their team to improve their special teams play and gain an edge over their opponents.
The special teams impact of a kicker can be difficult to quantify, but it is an important factor to consider when evaluating kicker free agents. Kickers who have a positive special teams impact can help their team win games and improve their chances of success.
Here are some examples of kickers who have had a positive special teams impact in the NFL:
- Justin Tucker
- Harrison Butker
- Stephen Gostkowski
FAQs on Kicker Free Agents
Kicker free agents are an important part of the NFL landscape. They provide teams with depth and flexibility at a key position. Here are five frequently asked questions about kicker free agents:
Question 1: What is a kicker free agent?
A kicker free agent is a player who is not currently under contract with an NFL team. These players are available to sign with any team at any time, and they can provide a valuable addition to a team's roster.
Question 2: Why do kickers become free agents?
There are a number of reasons why a kicker might become a free agent. Some kickers are released by their teams due to poor performance, while others may choose to leave their teams in search of a better opportunity.
Question 3: What are the key factors to consider when evaluating kicker free agents?
There are a number of key factors to consider when evaluating kicker free agents, including availability, experience, cost, versatility, upside, injury risk, scheme fit, and special teams impact.
Question 4: What are some of the top kicker free agents available this year?
Some of the top kicker free agents available this year include Matt Prater, Greg Zuerlein, and Cairo Santos.
Question 5: How can teams improve their chances of finding a successful kicker free agent?
Teams can improve their chances of finding a successful kicker free agent by considering all of the key factors listed above. They should also do their research and talk to other teams that have had success with kicker free agents.
Kicker free agents can be a valuable addition to any NFL team. By understanding the key factors to consider when evaluating kicker free agents, teams can improve their chances of finding a player who can help them win games.
Transition to the next article section...
Kicker Free Agents
Kicker free agents play a crucial role in the NFL. They provide teams with depth, flexibility, and the opportunity to improve their special teams units. By carefully evaluating kicker free agents based on key factors such as availability, experience, cost, versatility, upside, injury risk, scheme fit, and special teams impact, teams can increase their chances of finding a player who can contribute to their success.
The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, and kicker free agents are an important part of that evolution. As teams continue to search for ways to gain an edge over their opponents, kicker free agents will continue to be a valuable resource.
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