Cincinnati Bengals Secure Future with Extension of Evan McPherson's Contract
The Cincinnati Bengals have solidified their special teams for the foreseeable future by extending Evan McPherson's contract. The move underlines the franchise’s intent to keep their core players intact, a strategy that has already seen the extension of their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow.
McPherson, a standout performer for the Bengals since being drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has signed a new three-year deal worth $16.5 million. This contract includes a staggering $10 million in new money for the first year, establishing a new benchmark for kicker deals of this duration.
Few kickers in NFL history have displayed the same level of performance and reliability as McPherson, especially in high-stakes situations. Over his short but remarkable career, he has made 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts. This achievement ties him with Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chris Boswell and Arizona Cardinals' Matt Prater for the most successful attempts from that range during his tenure.
McPherson's clutch performances have been particularly crucial during the playoffs. He has made a perfect 19 out of 19 field goal attempts in postseason games. Notably, during the Bengals’ storied run to the Super Bowl in 2021, McPherson made 14 playoff field goals. This remarkable feat set an NFL record for the most field goals without a miss in a single postseason.
A Testament to Precision
Nicknamed “Money Mac” by fans for his consistency under pressure, McPherson's extension isn’t just a financial commitment but also a strategic endorsement of the Bengals' faith in his abilities. McPherson's three-year deal underscores how invaluable his role has become within the team’s framework. Ensuring his presence aligns with the Bengals' plans to remain contenders for years to come.
As the figures suggest, McPherson's new contract is groundbreaking. Earning $10 million in new money in the first year is a record-setting move, illustrating just how much the Bengals value his contributions. For a team that has historically struggled with finding consistency in their kicking game, McPherson provides both reliability and an edge that few others can match.
Drafted for Greatness
Selected as the 149th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson’s journey to becoming one of the NFL's top kickers was not necessarily expected. However, his exceptional leg strength and poise under pressure quickly put those doubts to rest. Since joining the league, he has consistently proven his mettle, setting multiple records and making game-winning kicks that have both astonished fans and solidified his reputation.
McPherson’s knack for delivering in clutch moments has made him indispensable to the Bengals, who are looking to build on their recent success. Joe Burrow's extension was the first step, and now with McPherson locked in, the foundation looks stronger than ever.
Future Prospects
As the Bengals secure their key players, the focus will likely turn to other pivotal members of the squad. One such player is Tee Higgins, who is currently set to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag. While details on his long-term future remain uncertain, the Bengals' proactive moves with Burrow and McPherson suggest a strategy centered around maintaining a robust core group.
In conclusion, Evan McPherson’s contract extension is a significant move that speaks volumes about the Bengals' approach to team building. A franchise that once struggled to find consistency is now making calculated decisions to ensure sustained success. With McPherson’s impeccable record and extraordinary capabilities, the Bengals have made a statement: they are here to compete, and they are playing to win.