Cincinnati Bengals Extend Kicker Evan McPherson's Contract in Landmark Deal
The Cincinnati Bengals have solidified their roster by extending the contract of their standout kicker, Evan McPherson. The new three-year deal is valued at $16.5 million, with an impressive $10 million in new money coming in the first year alone. This lucrative extension underscores the Bengals' commitment to retaining their core players and sustaining their competitive edge in the NFL.
McPherson's new contract sets a record for a three-year kicker deal, highlighting the invaluable asset he has become for the team. Drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional performance on the field. His reliability from long distances has been particularly noteworthy; he has converted 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts. This remarkable accuracy ties him with Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell and Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater for the most successful attempts from such distances during his tenure.
In addition to his regular-season exploits, McPherson has been a clutch performer in the postseason. He has made all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts, including a record-setting 14 field goals during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run. This achievement stands as the most field goals without a miss by any kicker in a single postseason in NFL history, further cementing McPherson's status as one of the league's elite.
This extension comes on the heels of the Bengals securing their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, with a long-term deal. By locking in key players like McPherson and Burrow, Cincinnati is clearly focused on maintaining a strong and stable foundation for future success. The Bengals' disciplined approach to roster management is indicative of their broader strategy to build a perennial contender in an increasingly competitive NFL landscape.
In a related move, wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag. Higgins' situation will be one to monitor as the Bengals navigate the complexities of player contracts and salary cap constraints. Nonetheless, the proactive steps taken with McPherson and Burrow illustrate the team's dedication to keeping its most impactful players in the fold.
McPherson's extraordinary consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him an indispensable part of the Bengals' special teams unit. His record-setting accomplishments provide the team with a reliable scoring option from virtually any position on the field, enhancing the Bengals' overall offensive strategy.
As the Bengals continue to fortify their roster, the extension of Evan McPherson's contract is a significant move that signals the franchise's ambitions. With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Bengals are positioning themselves to remain competitive in the fiercely contested AFC North and beyond.