Command officials confirm signing kicker Matt Gay, decide to let go of kicker Zane Gonzalez
Organizing the Gridiron with Pre-Eminent Kicking: Matt Gay Joins the Washington Commanders
When it comes to the exciting world of NFL football, every play, every catch, and every tackle can make a difference. But, there's one aspect that often goes under the radar – the kicking game. That's all about to change as the Washington Commanders are shaking things up in the kicking department, securing the services of Matt Gay and letting go of Zane Gonzalez.
Matt Gay, a seasoned 31-year-old football veteran, is joining the Commanders on a one-year deal, promising some stellar on-field action. His contract, reportedly worth up to a whopping $5 million, stands as the most guaranteed cash ever to be handed to a kicker on a one-year deal, showcasing the Commanders' commitment to top-tier kicking talent.
Before crossing the Potomac, Gay spent time with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year, but the pairing didn't last long—two seasons to be exact, as part of a four-year agreement signed in 2023.
Gay's track record speaks for itself, having nailed 85.5% of his field-goal attempts (165 out of 193) and a staggering 96.3% of his points-after-touchdown kicks (206 out of 214) in 90 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Colts. His finest moment? Snagging the Pro Bowl and bagging a Super Bowl ring with the Rams during the 2021 season.
The Commanders experienced a rather tumultuous 2024 season at the kicking position, with four different players taking turns at the kicking duties. Austin Seibert, Greg Joseph, Cade York, and of course, our outgoing kicker, Zane Gonzalez, all got a piece of the action. The Commanders seem to be eager to keep the kicking revolving door locked tight, hoping to bring in a dependable, experienced, and skilled player like Matt Gay.
Gonzalez, who celebrates his birthday next week, hasn't played in the NFL since 2021, when he signed with the Commanders in November. Across the regular season and playoffs, he made 12 of his 15 field-goal attempts and converted all 27 of his extra points, offering a taste of what he can deliver when given the opportunity.
Despite re-signing with the Commanders on a one-year deal last month, Gonzalez found himself on the other side of a surprise roster move, making way for the arrival of Matt Gay. It seems that Matt Gay's proven track record and experience gave him the cutting edge that Gonzalez apparently couldn't match during his time with the Commanders.
Bringing in Gay and letting go of Gonzalez marks a strategic move by the Commanders, seeking to address their kicking reliability issues that plagued them during the 2024 season. With the experienced Gay on board, the Commanders aim for a more stable and solid kicking game in the upcoming 2025 campaign.
- Matt Gay's signing with the Washington Commanders signifies a focus on the kicking game in the NFL, a sometimes overlooked aspect of football.
- The NFL's Washington Commanders have made a significant investment in their kicking department by offering Matt Gay a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.
- With Matt Gay joining the team, the Commanders are looking to improve their performance in the NFL playoffs, a platform where striking kicks can make the difference between winning and losing.
- As Matt Gay prepares to put on the Commanders' jersey, fans are hopeful that he'll bring the same level of success he demonstrated with teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, including a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
