The L.A. Rams might be looking for a new kicker. They decided not to place the franchise tag on kicker Matt Gay. It would have paid him $5.4 million this upcoming year. With the deadline passing, Gay is now a free agent who can sign with any team.
Gay spent the past 3 years with the Rams. He has been one of the best in the game in nailing field goals. In his career with the Rams, Gay is 74 of 80 or making 92.5% of his kicks. His career long is 58 yards. When it came to PAT’s (points after touchdowns) Gay is 138 of 145 or making them at 95.1%.
This past season, the Rams had a down year. They went 5-12. The Rams’ bright spot was Gay. When the Rams’ offense stalled in opponent’s territory, they knew Gay would be able to put up points on the scoreboard with his leg. Gay went 28 of 30, hitting 93.3% of his kicks. He was perfect from 20 to 49 yards. His only two misses of the year came from 50+ yards. Either way, though, he was counted on. With PAT’s he was 31 of 32.
It was a surprise the Rams didn’t franchise tag him. This would have allowed them to hang onto him and reach a long-term contract. They decided to let him go. Now he is a free agent and there is no guarantee he will be returning to L.A. The Rams could still talk to him, but he has a chance to leave.
Teams will want Gay because he has been a consistent kicker in this league. Gay can kick the ball through the uprights to either extend his team’s lead or bring them back in the game. He has a strong leg to knock the long ball through the uprights. The Rams will be very sorry if they don’t sign him back and need to look for a new kicker. Hopefully, wherever Gay goes, he can contribute to a winning team.
Leave a Reply