Longtime NFL kicker Greg Zuerlein signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. As of this posting, the exact financial structure of the deal is not available to the public. Zuerlein, a Missouri Western product, spent the 2019 season kicking for the Los Angeles Rams.
Sources: Former #Rams K Greg Zuerlein is headed to the #Cowboys, rejoining special teams coach John Fassel. Zuerlein gets a three-year deal with a base value of $7.5 million.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 27, 2020
Greg Zuerlein, Dallas Cowboys, Agree to Deal
Greg Zuerlein is coming off a down season in his eight-year with the Los Angeles Rams. He converted 24 of his 33 field goal attempts for a 72.7% success rate. This was a sharp decline from his 87.1% rate in 2018, as well as his 95.0% mark in 2017. The good news is that Zuerlein still maintained his strong leg, converting five of seven attempts beyond 50 yards with a season-long of 58 yards. He was also reliable with extra points, converting each of his 42 attempts. This is crucial because teams can’t afford to throw away points.
Zuerlein was able to play a full season in 2019 after missing five games in 2018 with a groin injury. Entering his age-33 season, Zuerlein should be able to maintain his strong production as a long-distance kicker. There’s a decent chance that his season in 2019 was just a down year and he could be poised to improve on those numbers. He remains one of the premier kickers in the NFL.
Zuerlein was drafted by the Rams in the first pick of the sixth round back in 2012. His long-distance prowess is vital for offenses to settle for field goals when their drives stall. Having a kicker that can consistently convert from past fifty yards is huge because it can allow offenses to overcome negative plays like sacks or penalties with field goals. Zuerlein provides reliability as a kicker.
Zuerlein had a terrific senior season at Missouri Western State, converting 23 of 24 attempts for a 95.8% success rate, including a season-long of 58 yards. He was able to convert 21 field goals in a row, including nine from 50+ yards. Zuerlein was named MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year for his strong performance.
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