The Cincinnati Bengals have solidified their special teams unit by announcing the extension of kicker Evan McPherson's contract. The new deal underscores the Bengals' strategy of retaining their key players, a commitment that previously saw them extending their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow.
McPherson's Record-Breaking Deal
McPherson's new three-year contract is worth a substantial $16.5 million, with $10 million coming as new money in the first year. This financial commitment sets a new precedent, marking McPherson's earnings in the inaugural year as a record for a three-year deal for kickers.
Drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson has quickly proven his worth. His accurate and powerful leg has been a significant asset to the Bengals, especially in crucial moments.
Consistent Under Pressure
McPherson's statistics illustrate his reliability, particularly from long distance. He has completed 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts. Such performance places him in a distinguished league, tying him with the Pittsburgh Steelers' Chris Boswell and the Arizona Cardinals' Matt Prater for the most successful field goals from 50 yards or longer during his tenure.
In the postseason, McPherson has been nothing short of spectacular. He boasts a flawless record of converting all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts. His performance was particularly noteworthy during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run, where he nailed 14 playoff field goals. This achievement set a record for the most field goals without a miss by any kicker in a single postseason in NFL history.
Securing the Core
The Bengals' decision to extend McPherson's contract aligns with their broader strategy to secure their core players. Before McPherson's extension, the team successfully negotiated a deal with their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, ensuring stability in arguably the two most critical positions on the field.
As they look forward to the upcoming season, the Bengals also have wide receiver Tee Higgins playing under the franchise tag for the 2024 season. This move indicates the team's intention to negotiate a long-term deal with the talented receiver, further adding to their roster stability.
By securing McPherson, the Bengals reinforce their commitment to retaining a reliable special teams unit, which often plays a pivotal role in tight games. As McPherson continues to demonstrate his skill and consistency, the investment in his contract is one that promises to yield significant returns for the team.
With the team's focus on maintaining its core players and building on its recent successes, the Bengals' future looks promising. The extension of key contracts like McPherson's not only enhances the team's current stability but also lays a solid foundation for continued success in the seasons ahead.
As the Bengals prepare for their next campaign, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic moves translate into on-field performance. With a mix of seasoned talents and strategic investments, Cincinnati's ambitions of a deep playoff run, and possibly more, seem well within reach.