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4 free agent kickers the Detroit Lions could consider signing

By Brad Berreman

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 24: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter in the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 24: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter in the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

4. Matt Prater

At the start of a rebuild in 2021, even with the hindsight of that season’s issues at kicker, it didn’t make sense for the Lions to pay Prater what he could get on the free agent market. He could, and did, cash in nicely with a two-year, $6.5 million deal from the Arizona Cardinals.

Prater missed four games with a hip issue last season, which is a red flag when paired with his age (39 on Aug. 10). But he was still a very accurate kicker, going 22-for-25 on field goals (88 percent; 5-for-6 from 50-plus yards out) and 17-for-18 on extra points.

Prater is still trusted to try long field goals, he is still capable, and he would not handle kickoffs for the Lions. A reunion could be in play.

3. Matt Gay

Over the last two seasons, Gay has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL (74-for-80 on field goals; 11-for-14 from 50-plus yards out over that span). He was a Pro Bowler with the Rams in 2021, and he went 4-for-5 on 50-plus yard field goals during their run to a Super Bowl title.

Rather than tag Gay this week, or seemingly even get a deal done with him in the coming days now, the Rams are letting him hit the open market unabated as they try to save some much-needed money. The Lions should at least have some cursory interest, though the price may be a little too rich.

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