Earlier Tuesday, we highlighted six kickers the Green Bay Packers could target in this year’s draft to replace Mason Crosby. Less than five hours later, Brian Gutekunst basically threw those suggestions in the garbage when he all but confirmed that the team plans to have Crosby back next season.
“To be able to kick in Lambeau Field in clutch situations, I mean any new kicker, that’s gonna be tough for those guys. That takes time and Mason has that. He has that experience. I think you’ll see a stronger leg and a different power in his leg on kickoffs this coming year just because he won’t be coming off that surgery,” said Gutekunst at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday.
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a GM who expects to have his franchise kicker back in 2023.
The uncertainty around Crosby’s future stemmed from an expiring contract and a season that depicted an aging kicker losing some of his leg strength.
However, Gutekunst made it a point to defend Crosby, stating that his performance was impacted by a significant knee injury that required surgery during the offseason.
“He went through a pretty significant little injury right before the season started,” Gutekunst said. “I don’t know if he was ever really able to completely catch up because of what we were asking him to do. He had to go out there and kick for us right away. So, I think it’s a credit to him.”
The injury clearly impacted Crosby, whose leg strength had never been an issue before last season. Green Bay finished dead last in touchback percentage, and Crosby was 1-of-4 on field goal attempts of at least 50 yards. Still, Crosby managed to make 25-of-29 (86.2%) of his kicks.
And by kicking in every game last season, Crosby extended his record for consecutive regular-season games played to 258. Judging by Gutekunst’s comments, it sounds like he will get the chance to add to the streak.
Next, the Packers will have to work out a deal that makes sense for the salary cap and Crosby, who will turn 39 in September.
