The Cincinnati Bengals have solidified their commitment to maintaining their core roster by securing kicker Evan McPherson with a lucrative contract extension. This move underscores the organization’s determination to retain key players as they continue to build on recent successes.
Bengals Extend McPherson
Announced by the team, McPherson’s new three-year deal is valued at $16.5 million, a significant investment in one of the league’s most promising kickers. Notably, McPherson is set to earn $10 million in new money in the first year of his contract, setting a record for three-year kicker deals. This investment reflects McPherson’s critical role in the Bengals' recent performances and their confidence in his future contributions.
Commitment to Core Players
This extension follows the Bengals’ earlier move to secure their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, demonstrating a clear strategy to fortify the team’s cornerstone positions. McPherson has proven his worth since being drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, showcasing remarkable consistency and composure under pressure.
Impressive Achievements and Records
Since joining the Bengals, McPherson has made a notable impact with his exceptional field-goal accuracy. He has converted 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper on 28 attempts, equalling the record held by fellow kickers Chris Boswell of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Matt Prater of the Arizona Cardinals for the most conversions from such distances during this period.
McPherson’s reliability extends beyond the regular season; he has been flawless in playoff scenarios. Remarkably, he has made all 19 of his playoff field-goal attempts. This includes an unprecedented 14 successful kicks during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run. His 14 playoff field goals set a new NFL record for the most field goals without a miss by any kicker in a single postseason.
Building for the Future
The Bengals’ decision to extend McPherson’s contract, coupled with their earlier extension of Joe Burrow, signals a strategic approach to nurturing a competitive team. These moves come as wide receiver Tee Higgins prepares to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, highlighting the ongoing efforts to keep vital players within the roster.
As the Bengals look ahead to upcoming seasons, the investment in McPherson stands as a testament to their vision of building a robust and consistent team capable of competing at the highest levels. The franchise’s proactive measures in securing McPherson and other key players set a solid foundation for success and continuity in the team’s pursuit of excellence.