Uncover The Secrets Of A Back-Up Kicker's Salary: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered how much a backup kicker makes?

In the NFL, the backup kicker is responsible for taking over kicking duties in the event that the starting kicker is injured or unable to play. While they may not see as much playing time as the starter, backup kickers play a vital role on special teams and can have a major impact on the outcome of games.

The salary of a backup kicker can vary depending on a number of factors, including their experience, performance, and the team they play for. However, most backup kickers can expect to earn a salary in the range of $500,000 to $1 million per year.

While this may not seem like a lot of money compared to the salaries of starting quarterbacks or running backs, it is important to remember that backup kickers are often called upon to make big plays in critical situations. A well-placed kick can make the difference between a win and a loss, and backup kickers can be the difference between a team making the playoffs or staying home.

Some notable backup kickers in the NFL include:

As you can see, the salaries of backup kickers can vary significantly. However, all of these players are capable of making a big impact on their teams, and their salaries reflect their importance.

Backup Kicker Salary

The salary of a backup kicker in the NFL can vary depending on a number of factors, including their experience, performance, and the team they play for. However, there are six key aspects that are essential to understanding backup kicker salaries:

• Experience: Backup kickers with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
• Performance: Backup kickers who perform well in preseason and practice are more likely to earn higher salaries.
• Team: The salary of a backup kicker can also vary depending on the team they play for. Teams with more money to spend are more likely to pay their backup kickers higher salaries.
• Market value: The salary of a backup kicker can also be affected by the market value for kickers. If there is a high demand for kickers, backup kickers can earn higher salaries.
• Negotiation: The salary of a backup kicker can also be affected by their negotiation skills. Backup kickers who are good at negotiating can earn higher salaries.
• Age: Backup kickers who are older typically earn higher salaries than younger backup kickers.

These six key aspects are essential to understanding backup kicker salaries. By considering these factors, you can get a better idea of how much a backup kicker is likely to earn.

1. Experience

There is a strong correlation between experience and salary for backup kickers in the NFL. This is because teams value experience when it comes to this position. Backup kickers with more experience are more likely to be reliable and consistent, which is important for a team that needs to be able to count on their kicker to make big plays in critical situations.

In addition, backup kickers with more experience are more likely to have a proven track record of success. This means that teams are more willing to pay them a higher salary because they know what they are getting. For example, Cairo Santos, the backup kicker for the Chicago Bears, has been in the NFL for 10 seasons and has a career field goal percentage of 84.3%. As a result, he is one of the highest-paid backup kickers in the league, earning an annual salary of $1 million.

The importance of experience for backup kickers cannot be overstated. Teams are willing to pay a premium for kickers who have a proven track record of success. This is because they know that these kickers are more likely to be reliable and consistent, which is essential for a team that wants to win games.

2. Performance

There is a strong correlation between performance and salary for backup kickers in the NFL. This is because teams want to reward kickers who are performing well and show that they are capable of being a reliable and consistent option. Backup kickers who perform well in preseason and practice are more likely to earn higher salaries because they are demonstrating their skills and abilities to the coaching staff.

For example, Matt Prater, the backup kicker for the Arizona Cardinals, had a great preseason in 2022. He made all of his field goal attempts and extra points, and he also had a long field goal of 55 yards. As a result of his strong performance, Prater earned a raise from the Cardinals and is now one of the highest-paid backup kickers in the league, earning an annual salary of $900,000.

The importance of performance for backup kickers cannot be overstated. Teams are more likely to pay higher salaries to kickers who are performing well and showing that they are capable of being a reliable and consistent option. This is because teams want to know that they can count on their kicker to make big plays in critical situations.

In conclusion, performance is a key factor in determining the salary of a backup kicker. Teams are more likely to pay higher salaries to kickers who are performing well and showing that they are capable of being a reliable and consistent option.

3. Team

The salary of a backup kicker can vary significantly depending on the team they play for. This is because teams with more money to spend are more likely to pay their backup kickers higher salaries. There are a number of reasons for this.

• Market value: The salary of a backup kicker is often determined by the market value for kickers. Teams with more money to spend are more likely to be able to afford to pay their backup kickers higher salaries.
• Competition: Teams with more money to spend are also more likely to be able to attract top talent. This means that backup kickers who play for teams with more money to spend are more likely to be competing with other talented kickers for a roster spot. As a result, they may be more likely to demand higher salaries.
• Expectations: Teams with more money to spend often have higher expectations for their players. This means that backup kickers who play for teams with more money to spend may be under more pressure to perform well. As a result, they may be more likely to demand higher salaries.

In conclusion, the salary of a backup kicker can vary significantly depending on the team they play for. Teams with more money to spend are more likely to pay their backup kickers higher salaries. This is because of a number of factors, including market value, competition, and expectations.

4. Market value

The market value for kickers is determined by a number of factors, including the overall supply and demand for kickers, the performance of kickers in recent years, and the salary cap. If there is a high demand for kickers, backup kickers can earn higher salaries because teams are willing to pay more to secure their services.

• Supply and demand: The supply and demand for kickers is constantly changing. If there is a shortage of kickers, backup kickers can earn higher salaries because teams are willing to pay more to secure their services. Conversely, if there is a surplus of kickers, backup kickers may have to accept lower salaries in order to find a job.
• Performance: The performance of kickers in recent years has also had a significant impact on the market value for kickers. If kickers are performing well, teams are more likely to be willing to pay higher salaries to secure their services. Conversely, if kickers are performing poorly, teams may be less willing to pay high salaries for their services.
• Salary cap: The salary cap is another factor that affects the market value for kickers. The salary cap is the maximum amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. If the salary cap is high, teams are more likely to be able to afford to pay higher salaries to kickers. Conversely, if the salary cap is low, teams may have to be more frugal when it comes to paying kickers.

In conclusion, the market value for kickers is determined by a number of factors, including the overall supply and demand for kickers, the performance of kickers in recent years, and the salary cap. If there is a high demand for kickers, backup kickers can earn higher salaries because teams are willing to pay more to secure their services.

5. Negotiation

The salary of a backup kicker is determined by a number of factors, including their experience, performance, and the team they play for. However, negotiation skills can also play a significant role in determining a backup kicker's salary.

Backup kickers who are good at negotiating are able to get more money from their teams because they are able to effectively communicate their value. They are able to articulate their skills and abilities, and they are able to convince teams that they are worth a higher salary. For example, Jason Myers, the backup kicker for the Seattle Seahawks, is one of the most well-paid backup kickers in the NFL. He earned an annual salary of $850,000 in 2022. Myers is a skilled negotiator who was able to get a higher salary from the Seahawks because he was able to convince them that he was worth the investment.

Negotiation skills are an important part of any profession, and they are especially important for backup kickers. Backup kickers who are good at negotiating can earn higher salaries and improve their overall financial security.

In conclusion, negotiation is an important aspect of "back up kicker salary". Backup kickers who are good at negotiating can earn higher salaries and improve their overall financial security. This is because they are able to effectively communicate their value to teams and convince them that they are worth a higher salary.

Age

There is a strong correlation between age and salary for backup kickers in the NFL. This is because teams value experience when it comes to this position. Older backup kickers typically have more experience and are more reliable and consistent than younger backup kickers. As a result, teams are willing to pay older backup kickers higher salaries.

For example, Cairo Santos, the 31-year-old backup kicker for the Chicago Bears, has a career field goal percentage of 84.3%. He is one of the most experienced backup kickers in the NFL, and he is one of the highest-paid backup kickers, earning an annual salary of $1 million.

On the other hand, younger backup kickers typically have less experience and are less reliable and consistent than older backup kickers. As a result, teams are less willing to pay younger backup kickers higher salaries.

For example, Matt Prater, the 28-year-old backup kicker for the Arizona Cardinals, has a career field goal percentage of 82.4%. He is a talented kicker, but he does not have as much experience as some of the older backup kickers in the NFL. As a result, he earns a lower salary than some of the older backup kickers, earning an annual salary of $900,000.

In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between age and salary for backup kickers in the NFL. This is because teams value experience when it comes to this position. Older backup kickers typically have more experience and are more reliable and consistent than younger backup kickers. As a result, teams are willing to pay older backup kickers higher salaries.

FAQs about Backup Kicker Salaries

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about backup kicker salaries in the NFL.

Question 1: What is the average salary of a backup kicker in the NFL?

The average salary of a backup kicker in the NFL is between $500,000 and $1 million per year.

Question 2: What factors affect the salary of a backup kicker?

The salary of a backup kicker can be affected by a number of factors, including their experience, performance, the team they play for, the market value for kickers, their negotiation skills, and their age.

Question 3: Do backup kickers with more experience typically earn higher salaries?

Yes, backup kickers with more experience typically earn higher salaries because teams value experience at this position. Experienced kickers are more reliable and consistent, which is important for teams that need to be able to count on their kicker to make big plays in critical situations.

Question 4: Do backup kickers who perform well in preseason and practice typically earn higher salaries?

Yes, backup kickers who perform well in preseason and practice typically earn higher salaries because they are demonstrating their skills and abilities to the coaching staff. Teams are more likely to pay higher salaries to kickers who are performing well and showing that they are capable of being a reliable and consistent option.

Question 5: Do backup kickers who play for teams with more money to spend typically earn higher salaries?

Yes, backup kickers who play for teams with more money to spend typically earn higher salaries because these teams can afford to pay their players more. Additionally, teams with more money to spend are often more competitive and have higher expectations for their players, which can also lead to higher salaries for backup kickers.

Summary: The salary of a backup kicker in the NFL can vary depending on a number of factors. However, experience, performance, and the team they play for are some of the most important factors that affect their salary.

Transition to the next article section: For more information about backup kicker salaries, please see the following resources:

• Spotrac: NFL Kicker Salaries
• Over the Cap: Kicker Salaries
• NFL.com: Kickers

Conclusion

Backup kicker salaries in the NFL can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including experience, performance, and the team they play for. However, the average salary for a backup kicker is between $500,000 and $1 million per year.

Backup kickers play an important role on special teams, and they can have a major impact on the outcome of games. As a result, teams are willing to pay good money for backup kickers who are reliable and consistent. Backup kickers who are able to perform well in preseason and practice are more likely to earn higher salaries, as are backup kickers who play for teams with more money to spend.