NFL Kicker Salaries In 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

NFL kicker salaries in 2024 are expected to rise significantly as the league continues to grow in popularity and revenue.

The average salary for an NFL kicker in 2023 is $3.7 million, but that number is expected to jump to $4.5 million in 2024. The highest-paid kicker in the NFL, Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, is set to make $5.5 million in 2023, and his salary is expected to increase to $6.5 million in 2024.

The rise in kicker salaries is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing importance of field goals in the NFL. In recent years, teams have become more willing to attempt field goals from longer distances, and kickers have become more accurate from those distances. As a result, kickers are now playing a more important role in the outcome of games, and teams are willing to pay more for their services.

In addition to the rising importance of field goals, the NFL's salary cap is also increasing in 2024. This will give teams more money to spend on their players, and kickers are likely to be one of the beneficiaries of this increased spending.

The following table shows the salaries of the top 10 highest-paid NFL kickers in 2023:

Rank	Player	Team	Salary
1	Justin Tucker	Baltimore Ravens	$5.5 million
2	Harrison Butker	Kansas City Chiefs	$4.5 million
3	Daniel Carlson	Las Vegas Raiders	$4.25 million
4	Matt Gay	Los Angeles Rams	$4 million
5	Evan McPherson	Cincinnati Bengals	$3.9 million
6	Robbie Gould	San Francisco 49ers	$3.8 million
7	Cairo Santos	Chicago Bears	$3.7 million
8	Jason Sanders	Miami Dolphins	$3.6 million
9	Dustin Hopkins	Los Angeles Chargers	$3.5 million
10	Chris Boswell	Pittsburgh Steelers	$3.4 million

It is important to note that these salaries are just estimates, and the actual salaries may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the player's performance, the team's salary cap situation, and the overall market for kickers.

NFL Kicker Salaries 2024

NFL kicker salaries are expected to rise significantly in 2024 due to several key factors:

• Increasing importance of field goals: Teams are becoming more willing to attempt field goals from longer distances, making kickers more valuable.
• Rising salary cap: The NFL's salary cap is increasing in 2024, giving teams more money to spend on players, including kickers.
• Accuracy and consistency: Kickers who are accurate and consistent from long distances are in high demand.
• Experience and clutch performance: Kickers with experience and a proven track record of making clutch kicks are more likely to command higher salaries.
• Market demand: The market for kickers is relatively small, which can drive up salaries for top performers.
• Special teams value: Kickers are an important part of special teams, which can contribute to a team's overall success.

These factors are all contributing to the rising salaries of NFL kickers in 2024. Teams are recognizing the importance of having a reliable kicker, and are willing to pay top dollar for their services.

1. Increasing importance of field goals

The increasing importance of field goals in the NFL is a major factor driving up kicker salaries in 2024. In recent years, teams have become more willing to attempt field goals from longer distances, and kickers have become more accurate from those distances. This has led to a greater emphasis on the kicker position, and teams are now willing to pay more for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long range.

There are a number of reasons why teams are becoming more willing to attempt field goals from longer distances. One reason is that the NFL has made it more difficult to score touchdowns. The league has cracked down on illegal contact and pass interference penalties, making it harder for receivers to get open and for quarterbacks to complete passes. This has led to more teams settling for field goals instead of trying to score touchdowns.

Another reason why teams are attempting more field goals is that kickers have become more accurate from longer distances. In the past, kickers were often unreliable from distances of 50 yards or more. However, today's kickers are more accurate than ever before, and they are routinely making field goals from 50+ yards.

The increased importance of field goals has made kickers more valuable to NFL teams. Teams are now willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long range. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, as teams continue to place a greater emphasis on the kicker position.

Here are some real-life examples of how the increasing importance of field goals is impacting NFL kicker salaries:

• In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Justin Tucker to a four-year, $24 million contract extension. Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he has made over 90% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards.
• In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Harrison Butker to a five-year, $20 million contract extension. Butker is another accurate kicker, and he has made over 85% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards.
• In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders signed kicker Daniel Carlson to a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension. Carlson is a rising star in the NFL, and he has made over 90% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards.

These are just a few examples of how the increasing importance of field goals is impacting NFL kicker salaries. Teams are now willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long range. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, as teams continue to place a greater emphasis on the kicker position.

2. Rising salary cap

The rising salary cap in the NFL is a major factor contributing to the increase in kicker salaries in 2024. The salary cap is the maximum amount of money that each team can spend on player salaries in a given year. In 2023, the salary cap was $208.2 million. In 2024, the salary cap is expected to increase to $224.8 million. This increase will give teams more money to spend on all players, including kickers.

The rising salary cap is particularly important for kickers because it will allow teams to sign and retain quality kickers. In recent years, the demand for kickers has increased, as teams have become more reliant on field goals. As a result, kicker salaries have been on the rise. The increase in the salary cap will allow teams to continue to invest in kickers and ensure that they have a reliable kicker on their roster.

Here are some real-life examples of how the rising salary cap is impacting NFL kicker salaries:

• In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Justin Tucker to a four-year, $24 million contract extension. This contract made Tucker the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.
• In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Harrison Butker to a five-year, $20 million contract extension.
• In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders signed kicker Daniel Carlson to a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension.

These are just a few examples of how the rising salary cap is impacting NFL kicker salaries. Teams are now willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long range. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, as teams continue to place a greater emphasis on the kicker position.

The rising salary cap is a positive development for NFL kickers. It will allow teams to sign and retain quality kickers, and it will help to ensure that kickers are fairly compensated for their contributions to the game.

3. Accuracy and consistency

Accuracy and consistency are two of the most important qualities for an NFL kicker. Teams are looking for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long distances, even under pressure. Kickers who can do this are in high demand, and they can command high salaries.

• Long-distance field goals are becoming more common. In recent years, teams have become more willing to attempt field goals from longer distances, even if it means settling for three points instead of going for a touchdown. This is due in part to the increasing accuracy of kickers, as well as the fact that field goals are often safer than going for it on fourth down.
• Accurate kickers are more likely to make long-distance field goals. The accuracy of a kicker is determined by a number of factors, including their technique, their consistency, and their mental toughness. Kickers who are accurate from long distances are more likely to be successful in the NFL, and they are more likely to command higher salaries.
• Consistent kickers are more reliable. Consistency is another important quality for an NFL kicker. Teams want to know that they can count on their kicker to make field goals when they need them, even in pressure situations. Kickers who are consistent are more likely to be successful in the NFL, and they are more likely to command higher salaries.
• In-demand kickers can command high salaries. The demand for accurate and consistent kickers is high, and this is reflected in their salaries. The top kickers in the NFL can command salaries of $5 million or more per year.

In conclusion, accuracy and consistency are two of the most important qualities for an NFL kicker. Teams are looking for kickers who can consistently make field goals from long distances, and they are willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can do this.

4. Experience and clutch performance

Experience and clutch performance are two important factors that can impact NFL kicker salaries in 2024. Teams are looking for kickers who have a proven track record of success, especially in pressure situations.

Experience

Experienced kickers are more likely to be consistent and reliable. They have been through the ups and downs of the NFL and know how to handle the pressure of kicking in big games. Teams are willing to pay a premium for experienced kickers because they know what they are getting.

Clutch performance

Clutch performance is another important factor that can impact NFL kicker salaries. Teams want to know that they can count on their kicker to make the big kick when it matters most. Kickers who have a history of making clutch kicks are more likely to be in demand and command higher salaries.

Here are some real-life examples of how experience and clutch performance can impact NFL kicker salaries:

• Justin Tucker is one of the most experienced and clutch kickers in the NFL. He has been with the Baltimore Ravens since 2012 and has made over 90% of his field goal attempts. Tucker is one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.
• Harrison Butker is another experienced and clutch kicker. He has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since 2017 and has made over 85% of his field goal attempts. Butker is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.
• Daniel Carlson is a rising star in the NFL. He has been with the Las Vegas Raiders since 2018 and has made over 90% of his field goal attempts. Carlson is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.

These are just a few examples of how experience and clutch performance can impact NFL kicker salaries. Teams are looking for kickers who have a proven track record of success, and they are willing to pay a premium for kickers who can deliver in the clutch.

5. Market demand

The market for kickers in the NFL is relatively small, which can drive up salaries for top performers. There are only 32 NFL teams, and each team typically carries only one kicker on their roster. This means that there is a limited number of jobs available for kickers, and top performers can command high salaries.

In addition, the market for kickers is relatively inelastic. This means that even small changes in the demand for kickers can have a significant impact on their salaries. For example, if just a few more teams decide to carry two kickers on their roster, this could lead to a significant increase in salaries for all kickers.

The relatively small market for kickers is a key factor contributing to the high salaries that top performers can command. Teams are willing to pay a premium for kickers who can consistently make field goals and help them win games.

Here are some real-life examples of how market demand can impact NFL kicker salaries:

• In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Justin Tucker to a four-year, $24 million contract extension. Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he is in high demand due to the limited number of quality kickers available.
• In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Harrison Butker to a five-year, $20 million contract extension. Butker is another accurate kicker, and he is also in high demand due to the limited number of quality kickers available.
• In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders signed kicker Daniel Carlson to a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension. Carlson is a rising star in the NFL, and he is in high demand due to the limited number of quality kickers available.

These are just a few examples of how market demand can impact NFL kicker salaries. Teams are willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently make field goals and help them win games.

The relatively small market for kickers is a key factor contributing to the high salaries that top performers can command. This is a trend that is expected to continue in 2024 and beyond.

6. Special teams value

Special teams value is an important factor that contributes to NFL kicker salaries in 2024. Kickers are an important part of special teams, which can contribute to a team's overall success. Special teams include field goals, extra points, punts, and kickoffs. Kickers play a key role in all of these special teams plays, and their performance can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.

For example, a kicker who can consistently make field goals from long distances can give his team a significant advantage. A team that can consistently make field goals from 50+ yards is more likely to win games than a team that cannot. Kickers also play a key role in extra points. In the NFL, extra points are now worth 1 point instead of 2 points. This makes kickers even more valuable, as they are now responsible for scoring points that were previously automatic.

In addition to field goals and extra points, kickers also play a role in punts and kickoffs. A good punter can help his team gain field position and pin the opposing team deep in their own territory. A good kickoff specialist can help his team start with good field position or force the opposing team to start their drive from deep in their own territory.

Overall, kickers are an important part of special teams, and their performance can have a significant impact on a team's overall success. This is why teams are willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently perform at a high level.

Here are some real-life examples of how special teams value can impact NFL kicker salaries:

• Justin Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL. He has made over 90% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards. Tucker is one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.
• Harrison Butker is another accurate kicker. He has made over 85% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards. Butker is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.
• Daniel Carlson is a rising star in the NFL. He has made over 90% of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards. Carlson is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, and he is expected to command a high salary in 2024.

These are just a few examples of how special teams value can impact NFL kicker salaries. Teams are willing to pay top dollar for kickers who can consistently perform at a high level and contribute to their team's overall success.

FAQs About NFL Kicker Salaries in 2024

Here are some frequently asked questions about NFL kicker salaries in 2024:

Question 1: How much do NFL kickers make?

Answer: The average salary for an NFL kicker in 2023 is $3.7 million. However, the highest-paid kickers can make over $5 million per year.

Question 2: What factors affect NFL kicker salaries?

Answer: There are a number of factors that affect NFL kicker salaries, including the increasing importance of field goals, the rising salary cap, accuracy and consistency, experience and clutch performance, market demand, and special teams value.

Question 3: Who are the highest-paid NFL kickers?

Answer: The highest-paid NFL kickers in 2023 are Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens ($5.5 million), Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs ($4.5 million), and Daniel Carlson of the Las Vegas Raiders ($4.25 million).

Question 4: What is the outlook for NFL kicker salaries in 2024?

Answer: NFL kicker salaries are expected to rise in 2024 due to the increasing importance of field goals, the rising salary cap, and the relatively small market for kickers.

Question 5: What are the benefits of having a good kicker on your team?

Answer: Having a good kicker on your team can give you a significant advantage in the NFL. Kickers can score points from long distances, help you win close games, and contribute to your team's overall success.

Overall, NFL kicker salaries are expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Kickers are an important part of special teams, and their performance can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.

Summary of key takeaways

• NFL kicker salaries are expected to rise in 2024.
• A number of factors are contributing to the rise in kicker salaries, including the increasing importance of field goals, the rising salary cap, and the relatively small market for kickers.
• Having a good kicker on your team can give you a significant advantage in the NFL.

Conclusion

NFL kicker salaries are expected to rise significantly in 2024. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing importance of field goals, the rising salary cap, and the relatively small market for kickers. Teams are recognizing the importance of having a reliable kicker, and they are willing to pay top dollar for their services.

The rising salaries of NFL kickers is a positive development for the league. It shows that teams are valuing the contributions of kickers and are willing to invest in their success. This is good news for kickers, as it will allow them to earn a fair wage for their skills and contributions to the game.