OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The NFL is often heralded as entering a golden era for placekickers, yet fans in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati are questioning that narrative.
Three of the league’s most reliable kickers in recent seasons—Justin Tucker, Jake Elliott, and Evan McPherson—are currently grappling with significant performance issues that have turned into a pressing concern. This situation is particularly alarming given not only their past successes but also the general trend of kicker efficiency that has improved over the years.
“It’s undeniably frustrating, especially knowing how crucial these games between the Ravens and Steelers can be, as today’s outcome illustrated,” remarked Tucker after the Ravens fell to the Steelers 18-16, during which he missed two field-goal attempts. “Nevertheless, we’ve got to return to work and concentrate on maximizing our next chance.”
As a five-time All-Pro, Tucker has achieved legendary status for much of his career. His exceptional combination of power, precision, and performance under pressure has led many to argue he is the greatest kicker in NFL history. Despite a collective rise in kicker accountability, Tucker’s performance has dipped this season. He has already missed six field-goal attempts, and in a recent match against Cincinnati, the Ravens were forced to recover from a missed extra point late in the game.
“Baltimore’s got a strong support system,” stated head coach John Harbaugh. “We have the necessary coaching, we analyze the footage, and he’s putting in solid practice. He just needs to execute more consistently.”
Tucker did manage a game-tying 56-yard kick against the Bengals last month, which ultimately led to an overtime victory. However, McPherson missed a crucial 53-yarder that could have clinched the win for Cincinnati in that same contest.
Since entering the league in 2021, McPherson showcased remarkable strength, going 9 of 11 on kicks from beyond 50 yards during the regular season and hitting all 14 attempts in the playoffs. Yet, this season has been a struggle for him. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, he missed critical kicks of 48 and 51 yards in the fourth quarter, leading to a 34-27 defeat.
“He knows he’s capable of making those kicks,” said star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. “That’s part of why we invested in him—to make those pivotal kicks when they really count.”
The Eagles have had a stronger season overall, winning six consecutive games, yet Elliott hasn’t provided complete reassurance. In a recent victory over Washington, he missed two field goals and an extra point.
“Our confidence in him is unwavering,” commented Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. “This team values Jake Elliott immensely due to the track record he’s built and the leadership he shows.”
After receiving second-team All-Pro recognition last season, Elliott signed a four-year contract extension worth $24 million in March. Similar lucrative agreements followed for other kickers, including Cleveland’s Dustin Hopkins and Kansas City’s Harrison Butker.
This season, Elliott has missed five field-goal attempts, while both Hopkins and McPherson have recorded six misses each. Although Butker has performed adequately, he recently underwent surgery on his non-kicking knee.
As the season progresses, there remains an opportunity for these struggling kickers to regain their form. Given their historical performance, many believe improvement is achievable. However, for teams like Baltimore and Philadelphia, which are likely playoff contenders, the pressure on the kicking game will be even more pronounced in high-stakes situations.
At the season’s onset, few anticipated such challenges for the kicking units of the Ravens or Eagles, but it is now a pressing issue. “He’s undoubtedly our top choice, and I truly believe he’ll make many important kicks moving forward,” Harbaugh added, emphasizing the self-reliance of kickers and their supportive teams in ensuring their success.