So far this offseason, the talk of Dallas Cowboys Training Camp has been around the team’s kicking struggles. With kickers Johnathan Garibay and Lirim Hajrullahu competing versus each other, you figured one would pull away eventually–but it never happened as both struggled with inconsistencies.
Well, on Tuesday, to help solve their kicking woes, the Cowboys worked out four kickers (which included former Cowboy kicker Brett Maher). Shortly after the session, the franchise quickly announced the return of Maher and the release of rookie kicker Jonathan Garibay.
Cowboys are signing kicker Brett Maher following today’s workout, two people familiar with decision said. Rookie Jonathan Garibay is being waived. Lirim Hajrullahu on field now. He’ll be team’s only kicker in practice today.
New kicker competition: Hajrullahu vs. Maher.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 9, 2022
While the signing of Maher doesn’t mean he’s being penciled in as the starter off-the-bat, his experience and familiarity with the team are what likely prompted the team to bring him back for another run.
(But, also maybe because this guy is decent at kicks? Who knows.)
All jokes aside, following the Maher announcement, many fans flooded social media with frustration as they mostly remember him being average to horrible statistically in his two seasons; and now we may have to live through another kicking nightmare if he were to win the gig.
However, if any positives came from Maher’s signing, it has to be that it lit a fire under Hajurllahu to step his game up and earn the starting job.
And, if you don’t believe me, well, the proof is in the pudding right here:
Lirim Hajrullahu got the memo. We will see how he does in Mojo Moments but he was absolutely lethal from all distances to begin practice. #Cowboys
Your move, Brett.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 9, 2022
Cowboys kicker Lirim Hajrullahu made 12-of-13 field goals in his longest single period of live work of training camp. His final make from 45 featured a fortuitous bounce. Brett Maher already kicked this morning. https://t.co/YbFyO2bbHg pic.twitter.com/eIDk5rM7J0
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 9, 2022
There is no doubt the battle between the two will be a major storyline during the preseason and heading into the regular season. Because I don’t know about you, but I can’t handle seeing Cowboy kickers missing FGs and extra points anymore.
But for now, let’s enjoy the Hajrullahu versus Maher show, and hopefully, someone can “kick” lights out this season.
