Bengals Secure Future with McPherson Contract Extension
The Cincinnati Bengals have reaffirmed their commitment to building a championship-caliber team by extending the contract of kicker Evan McPherson. The move emphasizes the Bengals' strategy to retain their core players, with McPherson now secured under a new three-year, $16.5 million contract.
This contract extension is part of a broader effort by the Bengals to solidify their squad’s foundation. The franchise had previously extended the contract of their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, ensuring stability in one of the most critical positions on the field. By securing McPherson, the Bengals are making a concerted effort to bolster their special teams and ensure they have a reliable kicker for crucial moments.
McPherson’s new contract includes a remarkable $10 million in new money in the first year, setting a record for a three-year deal for a kicker. This lucrative deal underscores the value that the Bengals place on McPherson's consistent performance and clutch kicking ability.
A Proven Asset
Since being drafted 149th overall in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson has proven to be an invaluable asset. His leg strength and accuracy have made him one of the most reliable kickers in the league. McPherson has successfully made 21 field goals from 50 yards or deeper out of 28 attempts, a statistic that ties him with the Pittsburgh Steelers' Chris Boswell and the Arizona Cardinals' Matt Prater for the most makes from that distance during his tenure.
Equally impressive is McPherson's flawless performance in the playoffs. He has made all 19 of his playoff field goal attempts. Notably, during the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run, McPherson made 14 playoff field goals, setting a record for the most field goals without a miss by any kicker in a single postseason in NFL history.
Building a Championship Core
The extension of McPherson’s contract is a clear indicator of the Bengals' intention to maintain a strong and dependable core team. Alongside the extension of Joe Burrow’s contract, it illustrates a thoughtful approach to team building. Special teams play an often underestimated but crucial role in a team’s overall success, and with McPherson’s proven track record, the Bengals have addressed a key component of their game strategy.
As the team looks forward to the upcoming season, wide receiver Tee Higgins will be playing the 2024 season on the franchise tag. This indicates further strategic planning as the Bengals maneuver through salary cap considerations while aiming to keep their core players intact.
In the highly competitive landscape of the NFL, the Bengals' methodical approach to player contracts and extensions will be pivotal. Ensuring that mainstays like McPherson and Burrow are firmly in place, the team is positioning itself as a formidable contender. With McPherson's leg strength and clutch accuracy, Cincinnati is not just staying competitive but potentially setting the stage for deeper playoff runs and, ultimately, another shot at the Super Bowl.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals’ fans have a lot to be optimistic about with these recent developments. The franchise’s decision to reward McPherson also sends a strong message throughout the locker room: exemplary performance and consistency are recognized and valued. As the next NFL season approaches, Cincinnati's strategy of securing key talents ensures that the team has solidified critical aspects of their roster, thereby positioning themselves as a team to watch.
With McPherson locked in, the Bengals can now turn their attention to other potential areas of need, focusing on the draft and free agency to build a well-rounded team. The foundation is strong, and with the right additions, Cincinnati could be on their way to replicating or even surpassing their recent successes.