Cincinnati Bengals Secure Kicker Evan McPherson with Lucrative Extension
The Cincinnati Bengals have strategically reinforced their roster by announcing the extension of kicker Evan McPherson's contract. This move underscores the team's dedication to maintaining its core players, further solidifying its foundation following the extension of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. McPherson, a critical asset to the Bengals' special teams, received a lucrative new three-year contract worth $16.5 million.
McPherson's extension spotlights the Bengals' intent to preserve their key contributors, a sentiment echoed by the swift agreement. The contract allocates $10 million in new money to McPherson during the first year, setting a new benchmark for kicker deals of its duration. Such investment reflects McPherson's pivotal role in the team’s past successes and the anticipated contributions in upcoming seasons.
Drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson has rapidly ascended as one of the NFL’s elite kickers. His precision and reliability have made a substantial impact on the Bengals' performance, evidenced by his remarkable 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts. This feat ties him with Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell and Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater for the most successful long-distance kicks during his tenure.
McPherson's excellence extends into crucial moments. In the pressure cooker of the postseason, his reliability shines. He has made all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts, a testament to his poise and accuracy under high-stakes conditions. Notably, during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run, McPherson converted 14 playoff field goals. This accomplishment set an NFL record for the most field goals in a single postseason, without a miss—a monumental achievement demonstrating his indispensable value to the Bengals.
The Bengals' proactive approach in securing McPherson mirrors their strategy with other essential players. The team's decision to extend Burrow's contract was a pivotal step towards ensuring stability at the quarterback position. With McPherson's extension, the Bengals' special teams component retains one of its most reliable and impactful players.
While the kicker’s extension has garnered significant attention, it's part of a broader strategy that includes other key players. Wide receiver Tee Higgins, for example, will be playing the 2024 season under the franchise tag, reflecting the Bengals' continued investment in their offense's core unit.
McPherson's new deal not only rewards his past performances but also aims to incentivize future success. The $10 million he will earn in the first year of his contract is a record-setting figure, which underscores just how highly the Bengals value his contributions. His ability to perform in critical moments enhances the team’s confidence, especially in tight games where every point counts.
In conclusion, the extension of Evan McPherson's contract represents a significant move by the Cincinnati Bengals to maintain their competitive edge. By locking in one of the NFL's most reliable kickers, the Bengals ensure that their special teams will continue to be a strength. This, coupled with the extensions of other key players like Joe Burrow, reflects a balanced approach to team-building that prioritizes both offensive and defensive stability.
The Bengals' front office, coaching staff, and fans alike can now look forward to watching McPherson continue to deliver game-deciding field goals well into the future, further establishing his legacy as one of the premier kickers in the NFL.