Former Lions kicker Michael Badgley quickly finds a new team

The Detroit Lions cleared a little bit of the deck in their kicker competition by surprisingly releasing Michael Badgley right before training camp started. He was signed by the Washington Commanders fairly soon after that, set to compete with incumbent Joey Slye.

The Commanders released Badgley on Sunday, leaving him looking for a new gig at a less than opportune time before the final week of preseason games. But he didn't have to wait long for a new opportunity, as the Tennessee Titans cut the two kickers they had (Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolff) and signed him on Tuesday morning.

After he was cut by the Lions, based sheerly on the lack of experience the aforementioned incumbents have, the Titans were easy to tab as a potential landing spot for Badgley.

In 12 games last season Badgley effectively stabilized the Lions' kicker situation, going 20-of-24 on field goals (83.3 percent) and all 33 of his extra points. He was re-signed in March, but cut before camp as the Lions went with a Riley Patterson/Parker Romo kicking competitiom.

Michael Badgley signs with the Titans, but could he wind up back with the Lions?

Badgley's first run of kicks for the Titans at Tuesday's practice was of course chronicled, and naturally scrutinized. An instant, sort of aggressive take said they should still be have eyes open for a kicker.

In some sense the Lions' kicker battle is to be determined, even as Patterson seems to be the favorite. So there's a chance they're keeping an eye open for other possible options, and Badgley is a known quantity to them should he become available again.

It's unlikely the Lions bring Badgley back, should the Titans be compelled to cut bait in favor of another new option before the season starts. But it's not impossible, and it bears keeping an eye on between now and Week 1.