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Steelers 2020 Free Agent Market Watch: Kickers/Punters the Steelers Can’t Afford

BTSC takes a look at the top free agents at each position whether or not they are in the Steelers price range. Here are the Kickers and Punters.

Divisional Round - Minnesota Vikings v San Francisco 49ers Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The Steelers situation at the position of Kicker is really positive right now. Chris Boswell rebounded from a horrendous 2018 to thrive in 2019. Presumably healthy and back on the top of his game, Boswell is the guy again. Here’s why.

Chris Boswell - Pittsburgh Steelers

Age 28

Boswell is the seventh-most accurate kicker in NFL history.

2019 Stats: Field Goals 29/31 93.5%, 50+ Field Goals 1/2 50%, longest 51, Extra Points 28/28 100%,

No. 3 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 79.1 (High Quality)

There is no reason to look at bringing in a challenger other than an expendable camp leg. But for the sake of the series, BTSC will list the legs looking for deals in free agency.

Once again, Boswell is the only guy for the Steelers in 2020. But here are the guys looking for deals that could end up with the competition.


Mason Crosby - Green Bay Packers

Age 35

2019 Stats: Field Goals 22/24 91.7%, 50+ Field Goals 1/2 50%, longest 54, Extra Points 40/41 97.6%,

No. 6 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 73.0 (Above Average), Kickoffs 59.1 (Average)

Mason Crosby just re-signed with Green Bay.


Dan Bailey - Minnesota Vikings

Age 32

2019 Stats: Field Goals 27/29 93.1%, 50+ Field Goals 3/3 100%, longest 50 yards, Extra Points 40/44 90.9%,

No. 10 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 65.6 (Above Average), Kickoffs 90.0 (Elite)

Bailey is the sixth-most accurate kicker in NFL history. Last season, he was perfect over 50 yards and still can boot it for a touchback with the best of them.


Greg Zuerlein - Los Angeles Rams

Age 32

2019 Stats: Field Goals 24/33 72.7%, 50+ Field Goals 5/7 72.7%, longest 58 yards, Extra Points 42/42 100%,

No. 14 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 64.6 (Average), Kickoffs 72.9 (Above Average)

“The Leg” has been a quality kicker in this league for many a season, but 2019 was a step back for the Ram’s Kicker. He’s a quality kicker and would be a solid add.


Ka’imi Fairbairn - Houston Texans

Age 26

2019 Stats: Field Goals 20/25 80.0%, 50+ Field Goals 3/6 50%, longest 54, Extra Points 40/45 88.9%

No. 28 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 42.2 (Poor), Kickoffs 61.9 (Average)

Fairbairn was a liability last year when it came to extra points. He’s been decent in his career, but definitely don’t pony up big for this average leg.


Adam Vinatieri - Indianapolis Colts

Age 47

2019 Stats: Field Goals 17/25 60.0%, 50+ Field Goals 2/5 40%, Extra Points 22/28 78.7%

No PFF Position Ranking

Overall Field Goal Grade: 28.8 (Poor)

Vinatieri is one of the greatest of all time, but last year proved that he’s done. He didn’t finish out the year. The Colts haven’t ruled him out for ‘20...but last year was dreadful.


Other Notable Free Agent Kickers

Aldrick Rosas - New York Giants (RFA)

Daniel Carlson - Oakland Raiders


Poll

Not that the Steelers should even think about replacing Chris Boswell, but which of the free agent Kickers do you feel is best?

This poll is closed

  • 39%
    Dan Bailey
    (52 votes)
  • 46%
    Greg Zuerlein
    (62 votes)
  • 3%
    Ka’imi Fairbairn
    (5 votes)
  • 8%
    Adam Vinatieri
    (11 votes)
  • 0%
    Aldrick Rosas
    (0 votes)
  • 2%
    Daniel Carlson
    (3 votes)
133 votes total Vote Now

As far as the Punters go, the Steelers may bring in an undrafted guy to challenge the erratic Jordan Berry in 2020, like they did with Ian Berryman in 2019. Just for kicks, here is the short list of available Punters should the Steelers find the means and attempt to go in that direction.


Lachlan Edwards - New York Jets

Age 27

2019 Stats: Punts 87, Punt Gross Average 45.9%, Longest 63 yards, Inside-the-20-downed 33

No. 25 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Punting Grade: 57.7 (Average)


Matt Bosher - Atlanta Falcons

Age 32

2019 Stats: Punts 9, Punt Gross Average 41.9%, Longest 52 yards, Inside-the-20 downed 2

No PFF Position Ranking

Overall Punting Grade: 61.5 (Average)


Matt Haack - Miami Dolphins (RFA)

Age 25

2019 Stats: Punts 69, Punt Gross Average 45.0%, Longest 62 yards, Inside-the-20-downed 29

No. 19 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Punting Grade: 60.6 (Average)


Poll

Regardless of affordability, what Free Agent Punter would you like the Steelers to sign in 2020?

This poll is closed

  • 17%
    Lachlan Edwards
    (21 votes)
  • 13%
    Matt Bosher
    (16 votes)
  • 31%
    Matt Haack
    (38 votes)
  • 38%
    None
    (46 votes)
121 votes total Vote Now