The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move in reinforcing their special teams unit by announcing the extension of kicker Evan McPherson's contract. This decision underscores the franchise's strategic focus on maintaining the core roster that has propelled them to recent successes.
Commitment to Core Players
This extension comes on the heels of the Bengals securing their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, showcasing the team's broader strategy of prioritizing key players. By keeping essential talents like McPherson and Burrow, the Bengals are clearly aiming to solidify their foundation for sustained competitive play. McPherson's new three-year deal is valued at $16.5 million, a considerable amount that reflects the confidence the Bengals have in his abilities.
Record-Setting Contract
Remarkably, McPherson is set to earn $10 million in new money in the first year alone, setting a record for the highest first-year earnings in a three-year contract for a kicker. This kind of commitment is rare for special teams players and highlights the pivotal role McPherson plays within the squad.
Drafted Talent Paying Off
McPherson, who was drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has become an indispensable asset for the Bengals. His reliability and precision, especially from long distances, have been crucial for the team. From his 28 attempts from 50 yards or deeper, McPherson has impressively converted 21 field goals, tying him with Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell and Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater for the most successful long-range attempts during his tenure.
Clutch Performances in the Postseason
McPherson’s value extends beyond the regular season into the playoffs, where he has showcased nerves of steel. The kicker has made all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts, with 14 of those coming during the Bengals' memorable 2021 Super Bowl run. That postseason performance set an NFL record for the most field goals in a single postseason without a miss, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Tee Higgins and the Franchise Tag
While McPherson's extension is a pivotal piece of the Bengals' offseason moves, they have also been active on other fronts. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is playing the 2024 season on the franchise tag, indicating the Bengals are continuing to secure vital talents while navigating the complexities of player contracts and salary caps.
Overall, the Bengals' proactive approach in extending Evan McPherson's contract is a clear signal of their intent to build a team capable of consistent high performance. With a robust core including Burrow, Higgins, and now McPherson, the Bengals are well positioned for future successes.