With the 2023 NFL Draft now behind us, teams and fans await training camps to occur. The 53-man roster will soon be finalized, however, there’s one position that still seems uncertain. That’s the kicker position.
In the 2022 season, the Dallas Cowboys had Brett Maher as their starting kicker.
Maher was money during the regular season, as he made 90.6% of his field goals attempted. Maher made 29 field goals out of 32 attempts.
This wasn’t the case for Maher in the 2022 playoffs. Maher attempted six extra points throughout the 2022 playoffs. He only made one.
Due to his unusual performance, the Cowboys had to adjust their game plan.
Following his embarrassing performance, the Cowboys decided not to re-sign Brett Maher.
As of right now, the Cowboys have Tristan Vizcaino as the only kicker on their roster. He is not expected to be the starting kicker for the 2023 season.
Let’s take a look at some options the Dallas Cowboys have at the kicker position.
Option #1 — Robbie Gould
It should come as no surprise that the best option at kicker for the Cowboys is veteran Robbie Gould.
Gould has an 86.5% field goal percentage throughout his career.
He also carries a 97.5% extra point percentage throughout his career.
Gould has proven that he’s capable of making field goals and extra points, especially in the playoffs.
A proven kicker like Gould would be huge for a team such as the Cowboys who are Super Bowl Contenders.
option #2 — Mason Crosby
Texas native Mason Crosby is another option the Cowboys can look at.
Crosby who’s been a lifelong Packer is a free agent and could find his way back home to Dallas, Texas.
Crosby has a career 81.4% field goal percentage. He also has a 97.3% extra point percentage.
Crosby has seen the playoffs a handful of times, and that experience is one that will serve the Cowboys well.
Special Teams Coach John Fassel stated, “The job is open for anyone from anywhere.”
He also stated, “We have Tristan on the roster. Anybody else on earth who is not on the team right now is under consideration. That’s everyone really. I think we have a lot of different guys that were still looking at — XFL, USFL, veterans on the street, younger guys who still haven’t found their way.”
There are a couple of names that stand out from the other leagues.
One is Luis Aguilar.
Option #3 — Luis Aguilar
Luis Aguilar is a six-foot-three kicker from the University of Northern Arizona. He’s also one of the rising stars in the USFL.
He recently set a league record for field goals in a game and finished the season ranked second in points scored (42).
Aguilar finished the 2022 season going 12-for-14 on field goal attempts.
He also had a 56-yard field goal which was the longest kick of the season.
Being 25 years old, there’s still room for growth.
One thing for certain is the Cowboys will look in every direction to fill the kicker position. Maher might even be an option should the Cowboys feel that’s the route to go.
You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and in the playoffs, the kicker position was the weakest link.
