Three free-agent kickers the Eagles should consider in 2021
Eagles GM Howie Roseman has handed out a ton of gruesome contracts over the years, one of which went to kicker Jake Elliott. In November of 2019, the Eagles awarded Elliot with a 5-year, $21.8M contract extension through 2024. $10.45M of that contract is guaranteed.
The former 5th-round pick will always be remembered for his 61-yard game-winning field goal that jump-started the Eagles Super Bowl run in 2017. Elliott has declined this season, missing 5 FGs on the year (2 of them from within 30 yards) while leaving points on the field in critical situations.
Jake Elliott just missed a 22 yard FG to end the half 👀 pic.twitter.com/XNXculEHOp
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) December 13, 2020
Now I’m not saying the Eagles should move on from Elliott, it would cost the team $8M in dead cap to cut him anyway. It would, however, serve the Eagles well to look into some competition at the position. Here are three veteran free-agent options heading into next season:
Cairo Santos
After struggling in 2019, Santos has rebounded nicely for Chicago this season. Santos has made 21 out of 23 field-goal attempts this year and has only missed one PAT. Santos won Special Teams Player of the Week for his Week 6 performance against Carolina, which included a 55-yard FG right before halftime.
Cairo Santos drills the 38-yard FG to put the @ChicagoBears ahead, 20-19.
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2020
1:13 remaining.
📺: #TBvsCHI on NFLN/FOX/PRIME
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/DuuqhYzolf
Ryan Succop
After missing 10 games in 2019, Succop has been consistent for Tampa Bay this season. The 12-year veteran has made 24 out of 26 field-goal attempts on the year and has missed 3 PATs. Succop had made 83% of his attempts over the course of his career.
Ryan Succop played that kick perfectly 👀 @ryansuccop @Buccaneers
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 18, 2020
📺 #GBvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/nQnuuAiwIi
Nick Folk
The longtime New York Jet has been reliable for the Patriots this season, only missing two field-goal attempts on the year. The 36-year-old has only missed two PATs since joining New England last season. Folk has made 81% of his kicks over his 13-year career.
Nick Folk sends it through the uprights. @Patriots win! #GoPats pic.twitter.com/WJX7Rdkgco
— NFL (@NFL) November 29, 2020
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Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports
