The Cincinnati Bengals have taken another significant step in fortifying their roster by extending the contract of their standout kicker, Evan McPherson. This move highlights the franchise's ongoing commitment to securing key players as they aim to build on recent successes.
A Commitment to Core Players
Following the recent contract extension of their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, the Bengals continue to focus on maintaining stability within their core lineup. The latest beneficiary of this strategy is Evan McPherson, who has quickly proven to be a crucial asset for the team since being drafted.
Drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson has demonstrated his value with remarkable consistency and performance. The extension, a three-year deal worth $16.5 million, ensures McPherson remains a vital part of the Bengals' future plans.
Record-Setting First Year
The financial terms of the new deal underscore McPherson’s importance to the team. The kicker is set to earn $10 million in new money in the first year of his contract, setting a record for a three-year kicker deal in the process. For the Bengals, this investment reflects their confidence in McPherson's abilities to deliver under pressure.
On-Field Excellence
McPherson's record and statistics further justify the Bengals' decision. He has converted 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts, a figure that places him in elite company. He shares the record for most makes from such distances during his tenure with Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell and Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater.
Clutch Performance in Playoffs
Perhaps more impressively, McPherson has shown an uncanny ability to perform in critical playoff situations. He has made all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts, including a perfect run during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl campaign. His 14 playoff field goals that season set a record for the most field goals without a miss by any kicker in a single postseason in NFL history.
Looking Ahead
As the contract extensions of key players like McPherson and Burrow illustrate, the Bengals are securing the talent necessary to remain competitive at the highest levels of the NFL. While Tee Higgins is set to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, the Bengals' proactive approach in managing their roster signals a well-coordinated effort to balance competitiveness with financial prudence.
In the high-stakes environment of the NFL, where games can often hinge on a single kick, having a dependable talent like McPherson is indispensable. The Bengals’ decision to lock him in for the longer term is not only a testament to his talents but also to their strategic vision in building a team capable of sustained success.
With these moves, Cincinnati fans can look forward to more thrilling performances, knowing that their team is built on a stable foundation of skill and reliability.