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Surprising Dallas Cowboys Kicker Salary: The Shocking Truth

Trends January 11, 2025

How much does the Dallas Cowboys kicker make? The Dallas Cowboys kicker salary is a topic of interest to many football fans. The kicker is a crucial position on any football team, and the Cowboys are no exception. In recent years, the Cowboys have had several kickers on their roster, including Brett Maher, Greg Zuerlein, and Lirim Hajrullahu.

The salary of the Cowboys kicker varies depending on their experience and performance. For example, Maher signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2020 for $920,000. However, Zuerlein signed a three-year contract with the Cowboys in 2021 for $7.5 million. Hajrullahu signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2022 for $965,000.

The Cowboys kicker salary is important because it can impact the team's success. A good kicker can make a big difference in close games, and the Cowboys have been fortunate to have several talented kickers on their roster in recent years.

| Kicker | Salary ||---|---|| Brett Maher | $920,000 || Greg Zuerlein | $7.5 million || Lirim Hajrullahu | $965,000 |

The Cowboys kicker salary is a topic that is likely to continue to be of interest to fans in the years to come.

Dallas Cowboys Kicker Salary

The salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is determined by a number of factors, including experience, performance, and the salary cap. Here are six key aspects of the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary:

Experience
Performance
Salary cap
Market value
Negotiation
Incentives

Experience is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers with more experience are typically paid more than kickers with less experience. Performance is also a major factor. Kickers who perform well are typically paid more than kickers who perform poorly. The salary cap is also a factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. The salary cap is the maximum amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. The market value of the kicker is also a factor. The market value is the amount of money that a kicker would be paid if he were to sign with another team. Negotiation is also a factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. The kicker's agent and the team's general manager will negotiate a contract that is fair to both sides. Incentives are also a factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers can earn incentives for reaching certain performance goals, such as making a certain number of field goals or extra points.

The salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is a complex issue that is determined by a number of factors. By understanding these factors, you can better understand the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker.

1. Experience

Experience is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers with more experience are typically paid more than kickers with less experience. This is because experience is seen as a valuable asset in the NFL. Kickers with more experience are more likely to be consistent and reliable, and they are less likely to make mistakes. As a result, teams are willing to pay more for kickers with experience.

There are several reasons why experience is so important for kickers. First, kickers with more experience have a better understanding of the game. They know how to read the wind and the field, and they know how to make adjustments based on the conditions. Second, kickers with more experience have a better understanding of their own abilities. They know what they are capable of, and they are less likely to try to do too much. Third, kickers with more experience are more likely to be mentally tough. They are able to handle the pressure of kicking in big games, and they are able to bounce back from mistakes.

The importance of experience for kickers is evident in the salaries that they are paid. The highest-paid kickers in the NFL are typically the most experienced kickers. For example, Justin Tucker, the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, has been in the league for 10 seasons. He has made over 90% of his field goal attempts and has never missed an extra point. His experience is one of the main reasons why he is the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.

In conclusion, experience is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers with more experience are typically paid more than kickers with less experience. This is because experience is seen as a valuable asset in the NFL. Kickers with more experience are more likely to be consistent and reliable, and they are less likely to make mistakes. As a result, teams are willing to pay more for kickers with experience.

2. Performance

Performance is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers who perform well are typically paid more than kickers who perform poorly. This is because performance is seen as a valuable asset in the NFL. Kickers who perform well are more likely to be consistent and reliable, and they are less likely to make mistakes. As a result, teams are willing to pay more for kickers who perform well.

Field goal percentage
One of the most important factors in evaluating a kicker's performance is his field goal percentage. Kickers who make a high percentage of their field goals are more valuable to their teams than kickers who make a low percentage of their field goals. This is because field goals are often the difference between winning and losing in the NFL. In 2022, the average field goal percentage in the NFL was 84.3%. The Dallas Cowboys kicker, Brett Maher, made 90.6% of his field goals in 2022, which was above the league average.
Extra point percentage
Another important factor in evaluating a kicker's performance is his extra point percentage. Extra points are typically easier to make than field goals, but they are still important. Kickers who make a high percentage of their extra points are more valuable to their teams than kickers who make a low percentage of their extra points. In 2022, the average extra point percentage in the NFL was 94.3%. The Dallas Cowboys kicker, Brett Maher, made 94.7% of his extra points in 2022, which was above the league average.
Kickoff distance
Kickoff distance is also an important factor in evaluating a kicker's performance. Kickers who can kick the ball a long distance can help their teams gain field position. This can be especially important in close games. In 2022, the average kickoff distance in the NFL was 64.1 yards. The Dallas Cowboys kicker, Brett Maher, had an average kickoff distance of 63.9 yards in 2022, which was slightly below the league average.

In conclusion, performance is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. Kickers who perform well are typically paid more than kickers who perform poorly. This is because performance is seen as a valuable asset in the NFL. Kickers who perform well are more likely to be consistent and reliable, and they are less likely to make mistakes. As a result, teams are willing to pay more for kickers who perform well.

3. Salary cap

The salary cap is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. The salary cap is the maximum amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. This means that the Cowboys have to carefully consider how much they spend on their kicker in relation to the rest of their team.

In 2023, the salary cap is $224.8 million. The Cowboys have a number of high-priced players on their roster, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This means that the Cowboys have to be careful not to spend too much money on their kicker.

The Cowboys have a number of options for how to manage the salary cap. They can sign a low-cost kicker, or they can trade for a kicker who is already under contract. They can also cut a player from their roster to free up salary cap space.

The Cowboys' decision on how to manage the salary cap will have a significant impact on the team's success. If the Cowboys can find a good kicker at a reasonable price, they will be in a better position to compete for a Super Bowl.

Here are some real-life examples of how the salary cap has impacted the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary:

In 2020, the Cowboys signed kicker Greg Zuerlein to a three-year, $7.5 million contract. This was a relatively large contract for a kicker, but the Cowboys were able to afford it because they had a lot of salary cap space.
In 2021, the Cowboys traded kicker Greg Zuerlein to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a conditional draft pick. The Cowboys were able to save money on their salary cap by trading Zuerlein, and they were able to use the draft pick to acquire another player.
In 2022, the Cowboys signed kicker Brett Maher to a one-year, $965,000 contract. This was a relatively low-cost contract for a kicker, and the Cowboys were able to afford it because they had limited salary cap space.

The salary cap is a complex issue that can have a significant impact on the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary. The Cowboys have to carefully consider how much they spend on their kicker in relation to the rest of their team and the salary cap.

4. Market value

The market value of a player is the amount of money that he would be paid if he were to sign with another team. This is an important factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. If the kicker has a high market value, then the Cowboys will have to pay him more to keep him on their team. Conversely, if the kicker has a low market value, then the Cowboys may be able to sign him to a cheaper contract.

Supply and demand
One of the most important factors that affects a player's market value is supply and demand. If there are a lot of good kickers available, then their market value will be lower. Conversely, if there are not many good kickers available, then their market value will be higher. The supply and demand for kickers can change from year to year. For example, in 2022, there were a number of good kickers available on the free agent market. This drove down the market value of kickers, and the Cowboys were able to sign Brett Maher to a one-year, $965,000 contract.
Performance
Another important factor that affects a player's market value is his performance. Kickers who perform well are more likely to have a high market value. Conversely, kickers who perform poorly are more likely to have a low market value. The performance of a kicker can be measured by a number of factors, including his field goal percentage, extra point percentage, and kickoff distance. Brett Maher had a solid season in 2022, making 90.6% of his field goals and 94.7% of his extra points. This helped to increase his market value, and the Cowboys were forced to give him a raise in order to keep him on the team.
Age
The age of a player can also affect his market value. Younger players typically have a higher market value than older players. This is because younger players are seen as having more upside and potential. As a player gets older, his market value will typically decline. This is because older players are more likely to decline in performance and are more likely to get injured.
Contract status
The contract status of a player can also affect his market value. Players who are under contract have a lower market value than players who are free agents. This is because teams are less likely to trade for a player who is under contract. As a result, free agents typically command higher salaries than players who are under contract.

The market value of a player is a complex issue that can be affected by a number of factors. The Cowboys must carefully consider all of these factors when determining the salary of their kicker.

5. Negotiation

Negotiation is a crucial aspect of determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. The kicker's agent and the Cowboys' general manager will negotiate a contract that is fair to both sides. The negotiation process can be complex and can take into account a number of factors, including the kicker's performance, experience, and market value.

One of the most important factors in the negotiation process is the kicker's performance. Kickers who perform well are more likely to command a higher salary. For example, Brett Maher, the Cowboys' kicker, had a solid season in 2022, making 90.6% of his field goals and 94.7% of his extra points. This helped him to secure a one-year, $2.2 million contract extension with the Cowboys.

Another important factor in the negotiation process is the kicker's experience. Kickers with more experience are typically paid more than kickers with less experience. This is because experienced kickers are seen as more reliable and consistent. For example, Greg Zuerlein, a veteran kicker who has played for several teams, signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Cowboys in 2021.

The kicker's market value is also an important factor in the negotiation process. The market value is the amount of money that a kicker would be paid if he were to sign with another team. The market value is determined by a number of factors, including the kicker's performance, experience, and age. For example, Justin Tucker, the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, has a market value of over $10 million per year.

The negotiation process for the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary can be complex and challenging. However, by understanding the key factors involved in the negotiation process, the Cowboys can ensure that they are getting a fair deal for both the team and the kicker.

6. Incentives

Incentives are a crucial component of the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary. They can significantly increase the kicker's overall earnings and provide motivation to perform at a high level. Incentives are typically tied to specific performance goals, such as making a certain number of field goals or extra points.

For example, Brett Maher, the Cowboys' kicker, has a contract that includes incentives for making field goals from 50+ yards and 60+ yards. In 2022, Maher made 4 field goals from 50+ yards and 2 field goals from 60+ yards. This earned him an additional $400,000 in incentives.

Incentives can also be used to reward kickers for team success. For example, if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl, Maher could earn an additional $100,000 in incentives.

Incentives are an important part of the Dallas Cowboys kicker salary because they provide motivation to perform at a high level and can significantly increase the kicker's overall earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dallas Cowboys Kicker Salary

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker.

Question 1: What is the average salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker?

Answer: The average salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is $2.2 million per year.

Question 2: What is the highest salary ever paid to a Dallas Cowboys kicker?

Answer: The highest salary ever paid to a Dallas Cowboys kicker is $7.5 million per year, which was paid to Greg Zuerlein in 2021.

Question 3: What factors affect the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker?

Answer: The salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is affected by a number of factors, including experience, performance, market value, negotiation, and incentives.

Question 4: How does the salary cap affect the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker?

Answer: The salary cap is a major factor in determining the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. The Cowboys have to carefully consider how much they spend on their kicker in relation to the rest of their team and the salary cap.

Question 5: What is the future outlook for the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker?

Answer: The future outlook for the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is uncertain. The salary cap and the performance of the kicker will be major factors in determining his salary in the years to come.

Summary: The salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is a complex issue that is determined by a number of factors. By understanding these factors, you can better understand the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker.

Transition to the next article section: This concludes our discussion of the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker. In the next section, we will discuss the salary of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

Conclusion

The salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is a complex issue that is determined by a number of factors, including experience, performance, market value, negotiation, and incentives. By understanding these factors, you can better understand the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker.

In recent years, the Cowboys have had several kickers on their roster, including Brett Maher, Greg Zuerlein, and Lirim Hajrullahu. The salary of these kickers has varied depending on their experience and performance. For example, Maher signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2020 for $920,000. However, Zuerlein signed a three-year contract with the Cowboys in 2021 for $7.5 million. Hajrullahu signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2022 for $965,000.

The future outlook for the salary of the Dallas Cowboys kicker is uncertain. The salary cap and the performance of the kicker will be major factors in determining his salary in the years to come.