Credit: USATSI
The Cincinnati Bengals have secured one of their key players from their recent Super Bowl run, as kicker Evan McPherson has agreed to a three-year extension worth $16.5 million. The deal, confirmed by ESPN, extends McPherson’s stay with the Bengals beyond the final year of his rookie contract.
Super Bowl Hero
McPherson, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2021 out of Florida, played a crucial role in Cincinnati’s most successful playoff run in over three decades. As a rookie, he made game-winning field goals in both the AFC divisional round and the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“He’s come through clutch for us in really big moments,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Aug. 1. “You’ve seen what the variety of kicks we’ve attempted with them that speaks to the confidence. And so he’s a big part of a team.”
The extension concludes negotiations that had been ongoing since before training camp. The news of the deal was first reported by NFL Network.
50-Yard Field Goals Leader
Since entering the NFL, McPherson ranks 26th among 32 qualifying kickers in field goal percentage. However, he has tied for the most field goals of 50 yards or more with 21 during that period.
In July, Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons praised McPherson’s ability to remain calm under pressure, regardless of the situation.
“I get the sense his blood pressure stays the same on all of them,” Simmons said. “I think that’s a very unique quality.”
Chiefs Extend Butker
McPherson is the second prominent kicker to receive a contract extension this offseason. Earlier in August, the Kansas City Chiefs extended Harrison Butker’s contract for four years, worth $25.6 million.
This report used information from ESPN.
