The Kansas City Chiefs have solidified their kicking game by securing the talents of their elite kicker, Harrison Butker, with a lucrative contract extension. According to ESPN, Butker has agreed to a four-year deal worth $25.6 million, with $17.75 million guaranteed. This new contract is a testament to Butker’s skill and value to the Chiefs.
Butker had one year left on his previous five-year, $20.3 million contract, but he and his representatives saw the opportunity to negotiate a new deal. With an average annual value (AAV) of $6.4 million, Butker now surpasses kickers like Jake Elliott and Justin Tucker, who previously held the highest AAV among kickers at $6 million, as reported by Over The Cap.
The journey for Butker to reach this point in his career has been quite remarkable. Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he was initially waived during his rookie season before finding a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, Butker has become an essential part of the Chiefs’ success, including their recent Super Bowl victories.
During the 2019 season, Butker led the NFL in scoring, showcasing his accuracy and reliability on the field. His impressive stats speak for themselves – hitting 33 of 35 field goals and going a perfect 38-for-38 on extra points. With a career field goal percentage of 89.1% and a long of 62 yards, Butker has proven himself to be one of the best kickers in the league. In fact, only Justin Tucker has a higher career field goal percentage in NFL history.
Butker’s contributions have not only been felt during the regular season but also on the biggest stage in the sport – the Super Bowl. He holds records for the most career field goals made in Super Bowl history, with nine, and the longest made field goal in Super Bowl history, a 57-yarder against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
As the Chiefs gear up for another season of competition, having Butker locked in with a new extension ensures that they have a reliable and talented kicker to help them chase after their championship aspirations. Butker’s impact on the team goes beyond just kicking field goals – he’s a valuable asset and a player who has proven his worth time and time again.