Undrafted free agent Jonathan Garibay is the Cowboys’ kicker in 2022 by default; the only one currently signed to the roster. But Dallas’ head coach Mike McCarthy doesn’t sound anxious about the situation, instead stating he intends to be patient with Garibay as the rookie works on earning trust throughout the summer.
Garibay signed with Dallas following the 2022 NFL Draft, joining second-year prospect Chris Naggar for an assumed competition. But Naggar was released a few weeks later and left Garibay as the only kicker for the Cowboys’ minicamps and OTAs.
When asked about the team’s kicking situation, McCarthy said “patience” was key. A comparison was drawn to when his 2007 Packers relied on then-rookie Mason Crosby in the midst of a run to the NFC Conference Championship.
Crosby is now entering his 16th season in Green Bay. We can only hope that 2022 is the beginning of an impressive tenure for Jonathan Garibay in Dallas.
The Texas Tech product is coming off a fabulous final year in college. He made 15-of-16 field goals, including a 62-yard game winner, and hit all but one of his 50 extra points.
While it wasn’t enough to get him drafted, Jonathan is still coming into the pros with positive momentum. The faith the Cowboys are putting in him right now is hopefully boosting his confidence even more.
Things could change between now and the July 26th start of training camp. There are still veteran options out there or others, including Chris Naggar, who could be brought in for competition. If nothing else, Dallas may want a second kicker just to avoid wearing out Garibay’s leg.
But if the organization exercises McCarthy’s professed patience, hopefully that allows Garibay to work through any natural nerves and show his true potential before the games start counting.
At the very least, the bar is set pretty low from the last few years. Greg Zuerlein’s was shaky from 2020-2021 and kicker has been in general turmoil since Dan Bailey’s prime ended in 2016.
Jonathan Garibay doesn’t have to rival Justin Tucker to be an improvement for the Cowboys. We’ll see what the rookie can do with his opportunity when training camp begins next month.
