4 kickers Detroit Lions could sign after releasing Michael Badgley

4. Brett Maher

Let’s try to forget Maher’s case of the yips that came to a full head in the Cowboys’ Wild Card Round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last year's playoffs. The Cowboys declared they won't forget it, but all that means is there's an opportunity for another team. He had a tryout with the Denver Broncos in May, but he is still available as training camps start around the league.

Maher made 90.6 percent of his field goals last season. He went 9-for-11 from 50 or more yards out,w with a long of 60 yards. That field goal completion percentage was seventh among kickers who played a full season in 2022, better than the likes of Justin Tucker, Younghoe Koo, and Tyler Bass. On the extra point front, since that was his issue in the playoff game, he was 50-for-53 during the regular season last year.

If the Lions think they have an answer for Maher’s bout of postseason yips, such as they may even still be an issue and which any kicker can be subject to, he could get a needed change of scenery in Detroit now that the job is very open. At least a tryout invitation to come to Allen Park feels easy now, in the name of due dligence and just to see where Maher is.