Introduction
Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and the National Football League (NFL) is the highest level of competition. Kickers are a vital part of the game and can have a major impact on the outcome. So, it stands to reason that they are well-paid. But just how much do NFL kickers make? In this article, we’ll explore the salaries of professional football players, from the highest paid kickers to the average salaries for rookies.
The Highest Paid NFL Kickers
At the top of the list for NFL kickers is Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. According to Spotrac, he’s the highest paid kicker in the league with an annual salary of $4.5 million. Other high earners include Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs ($4.3 million), Wil Lutz of the New Orleans Saints ($4 million), Greg Zuerlein of the Dallas Cowboys ($3.7 million), and Mason Crosby of the Green Bay Packers ($3.6 million).
What sets these kickers apart? A combination of factors contributes to their high salaries, including their performance on the field, their market value, their location, and the length of their contracts. Each of these elements will be explored in greater detail later in the article.
Average Salaries for NFL Kickers
According to Statista, the average salary for all NFL kickers in 2019 was $1.75 million. This figure varies depending on the position, experience, and team. Here’s a closer look at the average salaries for each of these categories:
Average Salaries by Position
The highest paid kickers are usually field goal kickers, followed by kickoff specialists, then punters. The average salary for field goal kickers was $2.2 million in 2019, while kickoff specialists earned an average of $1.8 million, and punters made an average of $1.4 million.
Average Salaries by Experience
Experience also plays a role in determining the average salary of an NFL kicker. According to the NFL Players Association, rookie kickers earn an average of $480,000 per year, while veterans earn an average of $1.9 million.
Average Salaries by Team
The team a kicker plays for also affects their salary. According to Pro Football Reference, the Dallas Cowboys had the highest average salary for kickers in 2019, with an average of $2.78 million. The New England Patriots were second with an average of $2.47 million, followed by the Los Angeles Rams ($2.37 million), the Chicago Bears ($2.26 million), and the Seattle Seahawks ($2.22 million).
Factors That Influence NFL Kicker Salaries
As mentioned earlier, there are several factors that contribute to a kicker’s salary. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Performance
Kickers are judged by their performance on the field. Their accuracy, distance, and consistency all play a role in determining their salary. According to a study by the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, kickers who convert more than 80 percent of their field goals are likely to earn more than those who don’t.
Market Value
The demand for kickers can drive up their salaries. If a team is desperate for a kicker, they may be willing to pay more than the average salary to get their man. This is especially true for teams with Super Bowl aspirations.
Location
The city a kicker plays in can affect their salary. According to a study by the Journal of Sports Economics, kickers in large markets such as New York and Los Angeles tend to make more than those in smaller markets.
Length of Contract
The length of a kicker’s contract can also affect their salary. Longer contracts often come with higher salaries, while shorter contracts may be less lucrative.
How Much Do Rookie Kickers Make?
Rookie kickers typically earn less than veteran kickers. According to Over the Cap, the average salary for rookie kickers in 2019 was $480,000. This figure can vary depending on the team and the player’s performance in college.
In addition to their base salary, rookie kickers may also receive signing bonuses. These bonuses can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the player and the team.
How to Earn More as an NFL Kicker
There are several ways for kickers to increase their salary. Here are a few tips:
Increase Performance
Kickers can increase their salaries by improving their performance on the field. Focus on increasing accuracy, distance, and consistency to stand out from the competition.
Negotiate Better Contracts
Kickers should use their leverage when negotiating contracts. Don’t be afraid to ask for more money or a longer contract if you feel you’re worth it.
Utilize Free Agency
Free agency is a great way for kickers to increase their salaries. If a team is willing to pay more than your current team, try to negotiate a better deal.
Conclusion
NFL kickers can make a lot of money, but the amount they make depends on a variety of factors. The highest paid kickers are usually field goal kickers, while the average salary for all kickers in 2019 was $1.75 million. Market value, performance, location, and length of contract can all affect a kicker’s salary. Rookie kickers typically make less than veterans, but may receive signing bonuses. To maximize their earnings, kickers should focus on improving their performance, negotiating better contracts, and utilizing free agency.
Final Thoughts
NFL kickers are an important part of the game and can have a major impact on the outcome. Therefore, it’s not surprising that some of them make a lot of money. However, the amount they make depends on a variety of factors, from their performance on the field to the length of their contracts.
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