The Official Kicker (K) Thread (4 Viewers)

[Faust]

Raiders re-signed K Daniel Carlson to a one-year, $750,000 contract. 

Carlson was an exclusive rights free agent. The 25-year-old was not particularly good last season, converting just 19-of-26 field goal attempts (73.1 percent). He will probably face training camp competition. 

SOURCE: Paul Gutierrez on Twitter 

Apr 16, 2020, 7:13 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Jets re-signed exclusive-rights free agent K Sam Ficken.

Ficken made 19-of-27 field goals and 23-of-26 extra points in 2019. It'd behoove the Jets to have some sort of kicker competition this offseason.

SOURCE: Jets on Twitter

Apr 23, 2020, 12:23 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Cardinals re-signed K Zane Gonzalez to a one-year, $3.259 million contract. 

A restricted free agent, Gonzalez was somewhat surprisingly tendered at the second-round level. The soon-to-be 25-year-old was excellent in 2019, drilling 31-of-35 field goal attempts while going 34-of-35 on extra points. 

Apr 23, 2020, 2:16 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots nab kicker Justin Rohrwasser in fifth round

Rotoworld take:

Patriots selected Marshall K Justin Rohrwasser with the No. 159 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Rohrwasser is a beefy 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. He made 79-of-82 extra points and 33-of-42 field goals in college. Rohrwasser will almost assuredly replace Stephen Gostkowski in 2020 after Gostkowski was released this offseason. Rohrwasser would have to completely fall on his face in camp and the preseason to not land the kicking job.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Apr 25, 2020, 2:46 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Falcons selected Syracuse K Sterling Hofrichter with the No. 228 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

A four-year punter with two seasons of kickoff duty, Hofrichter made 3-of-4 career field goals (52-yard shot included) in a pinch at that position with the Orangemen. The Falcons declared him as a kicker when drafted, likely bringing him in to compete with Younghoe Koo. It's unclear if the team will convert Hofrichter back to punter if he doesn't win said competition.

Apr 25, 2020, 5:55 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Bills selected Georgia Southern K Tyler Bass with the No. 188 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Bass (5'11/185) has sunk 114-of-116 extra points in college and made 90% of his field goals as a redshirt junior. Unfortunately, he only made 20-of-28 kicks as a redshirt senior. On the surface it's confusing why he was selected in the sixth round, but he will likely be the Bills kicker in 2020 given the draft capital.

Apr 25, 2020, 4:06 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Rams selected Miami (Ohio) K Sam Sloman with the No. 248 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Rams are looking to replace K Greg Zuerlein this offseason, and Sloman (5'8/205) will have a chance to compete for the job. He was a three-year starter in college, sinking 112-of-115 (97%) of his extra points on his career. As a senior, he made 26-of-30 field goals, enough to put him on the NFL's radar.

Apr 25, 2020, 6:41 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Colts signed Georgia K Rodrigo Blankenship.

Blankenship was considered by many to be the best kicker in this class after winning the 2019 Lou Groza Award, but two kickers were drafted ahead of the former Bulldog. he showed a big leg by connecting on 6-of-9 kicks beyond 50 yards, and hit on 25-of-31 field goals for Georgia last fall. 

Apr 26, 2020, 10:00 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Raiders signed Utah State K Dominik Eberle.

Eberle played in the Shrine Bowl after making 21-of-24 field goals while making all 45 of his extra-point attempts. It's unlikely he beats out Daniel Carlson for the kicking job, but he'll get a chance to shine during the preseason. 

Apr 26, 2020, 11:23 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Free agent K Adam Vinatieri has decided he wants to continue kicking for a 25th season.

The problem right now, however, is that the quarantine has slowed down his rehab from knee surgery, putting him in question for Week 1. The 47-year-old had a horrendous 2019 with the Colts before getting shut down. But if healthy, it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Vinatieri bounce back. He likely wants a chance with the Colts, but the two sides have yet to hash anything out in terms of a contract.

SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Apr 29, 2020, 1:58 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Buccaneers claimed K Elliott Fry off waivers from the Panthers.

People are saying this is the biggest move by the Bucs all offseason. Fry will be competing with Matt Gay, who only made 77% of his field goals last season. Fry, however, hasn't kicked in a regular season game yet and is a total question mark. Whoever wins this job may be fantasy relevant given the offense.

RELATED: 

Matt Gay

, Carolina Panthers

SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

May 1, 2020, 5:04 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots signed fifth-round K Justin Rohrwasser to a four-year contract.

Rohrwasser is a beefy 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. He made 79-of-82 extra points and 33-of-42 field goals in college. Rohrwasser will almost assuredly replace Stephen Gostkowski in 2020 after Gostkowski was released this offseason. Rohrwasser would have to completely fall on his face in camp and the preseason to not land the kicking job.

May 11, 2020, 1:57 PM ET

 

[Faust]

The Falcons still want to add competition for K Younghoe Koo. 

"We're still definitely considering adding a kicker into that spot," coach Dan Quinn said, before admitting the coronavirus pandemic had complicated those plans. It is not unusual for teams to carry multiple kickers on their 90-man rosters, but barring a complete summer faceplant from Koo, he should maintain starting duties after a bounce-back 2019 where he was accurate on field goals and creative on onside kicks. 

SOURCE: atlantafalcons.com 

May 12, 2020, 4:23 PM ET

 

[ZWK]

Here's an attempt to rank the teams based on how likely their top kicker is to have the job this year.

Virtually certain (alphabetical):
Justin Tucker    BAL
Brandon McManus    DEN
Mason Crosby    GB
Ka'imi Fairbairn    HOU
Josh Lambo    JAC
Harrison Butker    KC
Dan Bailey    MIN
Wil Lutz    NO
Jake Elliott    PHI
Chris Boswell    PIT

Everyone else (most to least likely):
Jason Myers    SEA
Michael Badgley    LAC
Zane Gonzalez    ARI
Matt Prater    DET
Robbie Gould    SF
Dustin Hopkins    WAS
Randy Bullock    CIN
Younghoe Koo    ATL
Greg Zuerlein    DAL
Austin Seibert    CLE
Jason Sanders    MIA
Eddy Pineiro    CHI
Justin Rohrwasser      NE
Matt Gay    TB
Aldrick Rosas    NYG
Daniel Carlson    LV
Sam Ficken    NYJ
Tyler Bass    BUF
Joey Slye    CAR
Chase McLaughlin    IND
Austin MacGinnis    LAR
Greg Joseph    TEN

 

[Faust]

Giants K Aldrick Rosas was arrested and jailed Tuesday for misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving on a suspended license.

Alcohol is believed to be involved. Witnesses say Rosas T-boned a car after running a red light, after driving at speeds estimated to be near 100 mph. Rosas ran from the disabled car after the collision and was later found walking on the side of the road. "We are aware of the situation and have been in contact with Aldrick," the Giants said in a statement. "We have no further comment at this time." Rosas was expected to play on a $3.259 million RFA tag this year, but that now seems unlikely.

SOURCE: ESPN

Jun 16, 2020, 7:55 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Panthers special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said Graham's Gano's (knee) rehab is going "really, really well."

Gano didn't kick at all last season after he was placed on I.R. ahead of Week 1. When healthy, he's one of the better kickers in the league. Replacement Joey Slye was all over the place last season, drilling 78% of his field goals while missing four extra points. The Panthers brought in free agent kickers at one point to push Slye during the season. He eventually kept the gig. Slye and Gano will compete for the job this summer. Working against Gano is that he's scheduled to make $3 million compared to Slye's $675K salary.

RELATED: 

Joey Slye

SOURCE: Charlotte Observer

Jun 17, 2020, 10:21 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Are long field goals next frontier for the Chiefs' Harrison Butker?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

This loophole made 75-yard field goal attempts safer than punting

 

[Faust]

Patriots fifth-round K Justin Rohrwasser has had his "Three Percenters" militia tattoo removed. 

The far-right group has been associated with racism. Rohrwasser claimed ignorance when it became a controversy following his draft selection, saying he merely thought it was a military tribute. That, of course, strains belief. He vowed to have it removed and has followed through on doing so. "I’m going to learn from this," Rohrwasser claimed. We would certainly hope so. Rohrwasser's draft capital makes him the heavy favorite to replace Stephen Gostkowski in New England. 

SOURCE: TMZ

Jul 5, 2020, 3:41 PM ET

 

[GordonGekko]

Patriots fifth-round K Justin Rohrwasser has had his "Three Percenters" militia tattoo removed. 

 

[Faust]

FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS: TOP 12 KICKERS

 

[Faust]

'There is pressure' still for Bears K Eddy Pineiro

 

[JohnnyU]

I believe in a few years there won’t be any kickers in fantasy.

 

[Twenty-Four Eighty-Four]

I believe in a few years there won’t be any kickers in fantasy.

Three of my four leagues are kickerless.

 

[Faust]

McManus, Prater to kick for free Bud Light for their city in 2020

 

[JohnnyU]

How do people feel about Badgley?

 

[Faust]

Giants waived K Aldrick Rosas. 

Rosas was charged with three misdemeanors following a June 15 arrest in a hit-and-run accident, including reckless driving on the highway, hit-and-run property damage and driving while suspended/revoked for DUI of alcohol/drugs. His entire $3.259 million salary, via a second-round restricted free agent tender, will come off the books. The reality is, Rosas probably would have kept his job had he been better last season. He shanked five of his 17 field goal attempts, also missing four extra points. There is a strong chance the Giants reunite free agent Stephen Gostkowski with ex-Patriots ST coordinator Joe Judge.  

RELATED: 

New York Giants

Jul 26, 2020, 9:55 AM ET

 

[JohnnyU]

Giants waived K Aldrick Rosas. 

Rosas was charged with three misdemeanors following a June 15 arrest in a hit-and-run accident, including reckless driving on the highway, hit-and-run property damage and driving while suspended/revoked for DUI of alcohol/drugs. His entire $3.259 million salary, via a second-round restricted free agent tender, will come off the books. The reality is, Rosas probably would have kept his job had he been better last season. He shanked five of his 17 field goal attempts, also missing four extra points. There is a strong chance the Giants reunite free agent Stephen Gostkowski with ex-Patriots ST coordinator Joe Judge.  

RELATED: 

New York Giants

Jul 26, 2020, 9:55 AM ET

Where do you rank Badgley this year?  I like him as a kicker, but I have reservations about their offense.  Rosas will probably have to wait for a team to get desperate.  Shanking 5 FBs and missing 4 extra points is pretty bad.

 

[Faust]

Where do you rank Badgley this year?  I like him as a kicker, but I have reservations about their offense.  Rosas will probably have to wait for a team to get desperate.  Shanking 5 FBs and missing 4 extra points is pretty bad.

@JohnnyU - My track record with drafting kickers is a mixed bag of hits and misses.

Fantasy Football Draft Rankings (2020)

Badgley as kicker #12 and the start of tier number 3 feels pretty accurate. I could also move him ahead of Younghoe Koo based on my impression that Badgley should have more job security than Koo might have. 

 

[Faust]

Giants signed K Chandler Catanzaro to a one-year contract. 

Now 29, Catanzaro "retired" last August. Essentially a replacement-level kicker, Catanzaro has converted 83.8 percent of his career field goal attempts. He could quickly lock down starting duties, though it remains possible the G-Men bring in ex-Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and reunite him with former Pats ST coordinator Joe Judge. 

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter 

Jul 26, 2020, 12:14 PM ET

 

[zed2283]

@JohnnyU - My track record with drafting kickers is a mixed bag of hits and misses.

Fantasy Football Draft Rankings (2020)

Badgley as kicker #12 and the start of tier number 3 feels pretty accurate. I could also move him ahead of Younghoe Koo based on my impression that Badgley should have more job security than Koo might have. 

I have to choose between Badgley and Myers and I really don't know what to do.  Their rankings are all over the place.

 

[Blackbear]

I have to choose between Badgley and Myers and I really don't know what to do.  Their rankings are all over the place.

Fantasy pros has Meyers at 9th in projections whereas Bradgley was 15 th.

The problem seems like you are now on the flat part of the curve and you might score as well or better streaming. 
 

So maybe it makes sense to grab a lottery pick player at other position and wait right up to game time to cut the lottery pick if it didn’t hit. For example you could grab ABrown, JGordon, DFreeman, etc.. and see if they get signed into something good. Then make your kicker decision right before season opener. 

 

[JohnnyU]

For the most part all you have to do is close your eyes and pick one.  Not much difference between 2 thru 12 most years.  Always one or two that stand out, but not enough to warrant kickers in fantasy leagues IMO.

 

[Keith1]

@JohnnyU - My track record with drafting kickers is a mixed bag of hits and misses.

Fantasy Football Draft Rankings (2020)

Badgley as kicker #12 and the start of tier number 3 feels pretty accurate. I could also move him ahead of Younghoe Koo based on my impression that Badgley should have more job security than Koo might have. 

Koo did a good job last year. Falcons are going to put up points (again) and he kicks in a dome. What's not to like ? Plus, who doesn't like a young ho ? 

 

[Faust]

Fantasy Football Kicker Draft Primer (2020)

 

[Faust]

Koo did a good job last year. Falcons are going to put up points (again) and he kicks in a dome. What's not to like ? Plus, who doesn't like a young ho ? 

He crashed & burned with the Chargers and the Falcons don’t appear to be fully sold on him:

The Falcons still want to add competition for K Younghoe Koo. 

"We're still definitely considering adding a kicker into that spot," coach Dan Quinn said, before admitting the coronavirus pandemic had complicated those plans. It is not unusual for teams to carry multiple kickers on their 90-man rosters, but barring a complete summer faceplant from Koo, he should maintain starting duties after a bounce-back 2019 where he was accurate on field goals and creative on onside kicks. 

SOURCE: atlantafalcons.com 

May 12, 2020, 4:23 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Panthers released K Graham Gano.

The move saves $2.8 million against the cap and signals the Panthers are moving forward with Joey Slye at kicker. Gano missed all of 2019 with a knee issue and turned 33 earlier this offseason. When healthy, Gano is one of the better kickers in the league, but it's unclear if he's back to 100%. Gano spent eight years in Carolina after three in Washington. He made one Pro Bowl. Perhaps Gano will be an option for the Giants with ex-Panthers GM Dave Gettleman.

RELATED: 

Carolina Panthers

Jul 30, 2020, 11:52 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Packers placed K Mason Crosby on the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

Crosby was one of three Packers to be placed on the COVID list. There is no word on whether he is symptomatic or not. The Packers' kicker since 2007, Crosby has roughly six weeks to get ready for Week 1. 

Jul 30, 2020, 4:44 PM ET

 

[Phantom Knight]

I have to choose between Badgley and Myers and I really don't know what to do.  Their rankings are all over the place.

This is essentially where I find myself as well - although there are a another couple kickers still available in this w-i-d-e (and unexciting) tier. 

I am leaning Bagley.  His per game average is unexciting and the Chargers offense looks to be less exciting this year (certainly it should have less ints!   ), but I think they have enough fire power that they might be scoring fgs instead of tds?  I fellow can hope, no?

Anyhow, an important tie-breaker for me out of this tier, is that Bagley's bye week is later - week 10.  If I must draft an unexciting kicker,  I like to draft one with a late bye week and then have all that time to watch kickers and hopefully snatch a better replacement after he has passed his own bye week. I am closing my eyes as I select Bagley.

 

[JohnnyU]

This is essentially where I find myself as well - although there are a another couple kickers still available in this w-i-d-e (and unexciting) tier. 

I am leaning Bagley.  His per game average is unexciting and the Chargers offense looks to be less exciting this year (certainly it should have less ints!   ), but I think they have enough fire power that they might be scoring fgs instead of tds?  I fellow can hope, no?

Anyhow, an important tie-breaker for me out of this tier, is that Bagley's bye week is later - week 10.  If I must draft an unexciting kicker,  I like to draft one with a late bye week and then have all that time to watch kickers and hopefully snatch a better replacement after he has passed his own bye week. I am closing my eyes as I select Bagley.

It's Badgley, not Bagley.  Anyway, I also feel the Chargers will be kicking more FGs this year and I like Badgley's talent.

 

[zed2283]

This is essentially where I find myself as well - although there are a another couple kickers still available in this w-i-d-e (and unexciting) tier. 

I am leaning Bagley.  His per game average is unexciting and the Chargers offense looks to be less exciting this year (certainly it should have less ints!   ), but I think they have enough fire power that they might be scoring fgs instead of tds?  I fellow can hope, no?

Anyhow, an important tie-breaker for me out of this tier, is that Bagley's bye week is later - week 10.  If I must draft an unexciting kicker,  I like to draft one with a late bye week and then have all that time to watch kickers and hopefully snatch a better replacement after he has passed his own bye week. I am closing my eyes as I select Bagley.

It's Badgley, not Bagley.  Anyway, I also feel the Chargers will be kicking more FGs this year and I like Badgley's talent.

Thanks, guys.  I was originally leaning Badgely, then switched to Myers thinking Seattle will have a better offense.  Now you guys have me leaning back to Badgely again.  I know it doesn't matter with the tier and all, but I pore over every decision on my dynasty roster.  Cutdowns are next Sunday and I have to keep one.

 

[Faust]

2020 Fantasy Football Kicker Draft Rankings: Follow the best NFL offenses

 

[Faust]

Giants signed K Graham Gano.

Gano turned 33 this year and missed all of 2019 with a knee injury but is healthy now. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019 after connecting on 96.7% of his field goal attempts but came back to Earth in 2018, hitting on 87.5% of his attempts. Gano will compete with Chandler Catanzaro for the starting role.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Aug 16, 2020, 2:02 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Giants released K Chandler Catanzaro.

The move ensures the job belongs to former Panthers K Graham Gano, who reunites with former Carolina GM Dave Gettleman in signing with the Giants just last week. Gano should, in all seriousness, be considered a top-12 kicker for fantasy given OC Jason Garrett's historical timidness inside the 40.

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Aug 17, 2020, 2:10 PM ET

 

[gbill2004]

The Patriots are signing Nick Folk. What does this mean for their kicker situation this season ? 

 

[The Man With No Name]

Cairo Santos - Bears

 

[Faust]

Bears signed K Cairo Santos.

The move will become official after Santos clears the COVID testing protocol on Sunday. Santos was most recently with the Titans. He was released in the middle of the season after missing four field goals versus the Bills. Eddy Pineiro is slotted in as the starting kicker for Chicago but is currently dealing with a groin injury. 

RELATED: 

Eddy Pineiro

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Aug 22, 2020, 5:29 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots are hosting K Nick Folk for a visit and plan to sign him Monday.

Folk was with New England last year but only played in seven games due to an appendectomy. He didn't miss one field goal inside of 40 yards or any extra points but struggle on long kicks. Folk missed three of his eight attempts from 40 yards out or farther. He'll compete with fifth-round pick Justin Rohrwasser for the starting gig. 

RELATED: 

Justin Rohrwasser

SOURCE: Ian Rapopport on Twitter

Aug 22, 2020, 4:37 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots K Justin Rohrwasser has been "erratic" at practice. 

Without an oncoming rush, the rookie kicker hit one from 50 yards, then yanked two kicks way left, per beat writers. Rohrwasser went 2-for-4 on the "skinny" field goal posts in a full team setting. Maybe he's still getting used to kicking without the white nationalist tattoos he had removed in July. Rohrwasser could be a decent fantasy option if Cam Newton and the New England offense can maintain positive game script in 2020. 

SOURCE: Zack Cox on Twitter. 

Aug 23, 2020, 3:56 PM ET

 

[Anarchy99]

Someone please explain the science of the following to me. I read a couple of articles / blurbs where kickers are suggesting that having limited or no fans this year will have a huge impact on the wind and will make it much harder to kick FG or XP. 

Apparently the kickers are suggesting that fans dramatically cut down on the wind. Is that really a thing? I would think that wind blowing across the field would be the same either way, no? But I really don’t see how the difference in wind speed without fans could be THAT dramatic. To me, it’s either windy or it’s not.