This past offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed Matt Gay to a four-year deal worth $22.5 million. It’s the largest free-agent contract ever given to a kicker.
Gay is earning an average of $5.6 million per year, making him the NFL’s second-highest-paid kicker behind Justin Tucker. Tucker signed a four-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens in August that pays him $6 million annually.
The Colts have a ton of money invested in Gay. He could prove to be worth every penny and end up having an outstanding debut season for the team.
Indianapolis Colts K Matt Gay Proving to be a Wise Investment
Interesting Career Thus Far
Interestingly, Gay began his collegiate career playing soccer for the Utah Valley Wolverines. He later transferred to the University of Utah and starred as a kicker for two seasons.
Gay was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round (145th overall pick) in the 2019 NFL Draft. Waived by the Buccaneers on September 5, 2020, he was signed to the Colts’ practice squad 10 days later.
In November 2021, Gay was signed off the Colts’ practice squad by the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles is where he would eventually develop into one of the league’s top kickers.
During the 2021 season, Gay hit 94.1 percent of his field goals, ranking him second-best in the league behind Tucker. He made 48 of 49 extra-point attempts as well.
That year, he also made the Pro Bowl and helped the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. He hit a 41-yard field goal during the third quarter of that game.
Gay didn’t miss a beat last season, hitting 93.3 percent of his field goals for the Rams. He only missed two all year, with one coming from 61 yards out.
Possibly the Colts’ Best Kicker Since Adam Vinatieri
So far, Gay has yet to miss a field goal this season for the Colts. He was instrumental in the team’s Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens, converting from 54, 53, 53 and 53 yards. He became the first kicker in NFL history to hit four 50+ yard field goals in the same game, which is phenomenal.
It was a surprising road victory for the Colts, especially since franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson was out due to a concussion. Gay came through, hitting a 53-yarder with 1:09 left in overtime, propelling Indianapolis to a 22-19 victory. He was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.
After winning three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, kicker Adam Vinatieri signed with the Colts in 2006. He would spend 14 seasons with Indianapolis and helped Peyton Manning and Co. win Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears.
The NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points, Vinatieri is arguably the greatest kicker of all time. Since he left in 2019, the Colts have cycled through a few kickers over the years like Rodrigo Blankenship, Michael Badgley, and Chase McLaughlin.
By signing Gay, the Colts might have found their long-term answer at the position. He has shown that he can win games with his leg and is consistent. 22.5 million is a lot of money for a kicker, but so far, his signing has proven to pay massive dividends.
Main Photo: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
