Matt Gay, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers place kicker, made NFL history by signing with the Washington Commanders for a one-year deal worth over $4.25 million, the largest guaranteed contract for a kicker in league history. This comes just after his stint with the Indianapolis Colts where he had joined in 2023. Despite his rocky beginnings, including a subpar performance in his rookie season with the Buccaneers where he converted only 77.1% of his field goals, Gay's journey has taken a turn for the better.

His professional career saw a resurgence with the Los Angeles Rams, leading to a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, and he still holds the record for the most 50-plus yard field goals made in a single game. This new contract not only reflects Gay's potential but also highlights the increasing value and recognition of kickers in the NFL.

The Washington Commanders have signed kicker Matt Gay to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, which can increase to $5 million with incentives, marking the highest guaranteed amount for a kicker on a single-season deal.

After struggling with multiple kickers last season, including Cade York, Austin Seibert, Zane Gonzalez, and Greg Joseph, Gay's signing is a strategic move to resolve their kicking issues. Gay was previously a Pro Bowler but faced challenges with long-range kicks during his time with the Colts. However, his accuracy inside 50 yards has been remarkable, hitting 28 of 28 attempts last season, which aligns well with the Commanders' hopes for stability in their kicking game.

The Washington Commanders have made a significant change at kicker by signing Matt Gay to a one-year contract worth over $4.25 million, while parting ways with Zane Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who played nine games for the Commanders last season, including the playoffs, successfully converted 12 of 15 field goals. Gay, a former Pro Bowler with a 85.5% career field goal percentage, was perfect on extra-point attempts for the Indianapolis Colts last season, making him a key addition for the Commanders as they look to strengthen their special teams.

The Washington Commanders have made a significant move by signing veteran kicker Matt Gay to a one-year deal worth $4.35 million, fully guaranteed, which could reach $5 million with incentives. This signing is noted as the largest one-year deal for a kicker in NFL history, although the highest average annual value for a kicker remains around $6 million.

Gay, who played for the Indianapolis Colts last season, boasts a record of 31 successful field goals out of 37 attempts, with a long of 56 yards. His previous contract with the Colts was a hefty four-year deal worth $22.5 million; however, injuries plagued him, particularly a sports hernia that required surgery. In a corresponding move, the Commanders have released Zane Gonzalez, who appeared in just six games for the team but had a solid performance during Washington's playoff run.

In a surprising move, the Washington Commanders have released kicker Zane Gonzalez, opting to sign veteran Matt Gay to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, fully guaranteed. This decision comes after Gonzalez had a decent showing last season, including a playoff game-winning kick.

Matt Gay, a former Pro Bowler, made a mark with the Los Angeles Rams and boasts an impressive career field goal success rate of 85.5%. His signing represents the largest guaranteed one-year deal ever for a kicker, showcasing Washington's commitment to solidifying their special teams, particularly after evaluating other potential kickers during the draft.