Unveiling NFL Backup Kicker Salaries: The Complete Guide

What is an NFL backup kicker salary?

An NFL backup kicker salary is the amount of money paid to a kicker who is not the primary kicker on an NFL team. Backup kickers typically earn less than starting kickers, but their salaries can vary depending on their experience and performance.

The average NFL backup kicker salary is around $750,000 per year. However, some backup kickers can earn more than $1 million per year, while others may earn less than $500,000 per year.

The salary of an NFL backup kicker is important because it can help teams determine how much money to allocate to their kicking game. Teams with a high-priced backup kicker may have less money to spend on other positions, while teams with a low-priced backup kicker may have more money to spend on other areas of their team.

Here is a table of NFL backup kicker salaries for the 2022 season:

As you can see, the salaries of NFL backup kickers can vary significantly. This is due to a number of factors, including the player's experience, performance, and contract status.

NFL Backup Kicker Salary

The salary of an NFL backup kicker is an important consideration for teams when building their rosters. Here are 8 key aspects to consider:

• Experience
• Performance
• Contract status
• Team salary cap
• Market value
• Special teams value
• Injury history
• Age

These factors all play a role in determining how much a backup kicker is paid. For example, a backup kicker with a lot of experience and a proven track record of performance will typically earn more than a backup kicker with less experience and a less impressive performance record. Similarly, a backup kicker who is under contract for multiple years will typically earn more than a backup kicker who is only under contract for one year.

Ultimately, the salary of an NFL backup kicker is a negotiation between the player and the team. The team will want to pay the lowest possible salary that they can get away with, while the player will want to earn as much money as they can. The final salary will typically be somewhere in the middle, and it will be based on the factors listed above.

1. Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors that determines an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers with more experience are typically more reliable and consistent, which makes them more valuable to teams. This is because experienced kickers have a better understanding of how to kick in different conditions and are less likely to make mistakes.

• Years of Experience
  

  The more years of experience a kicker has, the more valuable they are to a team. This is because experienced kickers have a better understanding of how to kick in different conditions and are less likely to make mistakes. Kickers with 5 or more years of experience typically earn higher salaries than kickers with less experience.

• Playoff Experience
  

  Kickers who have experience kicking in the playoffs are more valuable to teams because they are more likely to be able to perform under pressure. Kickers with playoff experience typically earn higher salaries than kickers who do not have playoff experience.

• Pro Bowl Experience
  

  Kickers who have been selected to the Pro Bowl are more valuable to teams because they are considered to be among the best kickers in the league. Pro Bowl kickers typically earn higher salaries than kickers who have not been selected to the Pro Bowl.

• Super Bowl Experience
  

  Kickers who have experience kicking in the Super Bowl are the most valuable to teams because they have proven that they can perform under the most pressure. Super Bowl kickers typically earn the highest salaries in the league.

Overall, experience is a major factor that determines an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers with more experience are typically more reliable and consistent, which makes them more valuable to teams.

2. Performance

Performance is another important factor that determines an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who perform well are more likely to earn higher salaries than kickers who do not perform well. This is because teams want to have kickers who can be relied upon to make kicks in important situations.

There are a number of factors that can affect a kicker's performance, including:

• Accuracy
  

  The most important factor in a kicker's performance is accuracy. Kickers who are accurate are more likely to make kicks, which is why they are more valuable to teams. Accuracy is measured by the percentage of kicks made out of the total number of kicks attempted.

• Range
  

  Another important factor in a kicker's performance is range. Kickers who have a long range are more valuable to teams because they can kick field goals from further distances. Range is measured by the longest field goal made.

• Consistency
  

  Consistency is also important for kickers. Kickers who are consistent are more likely to make kicks in important situations. Consistency is measured by the percentage of kicks made from a certain distance.

Overall, performance is a major factor that determines an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who perform well are more likely to earn higher salaries than kickers who do not perform well.

3. Contract status

Contract status is an important factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who are under contract for multiple years are typically more valuable to teams than kickers who are only under contract for one year. This is because teams are more likely to invest in a kicker who they know will be with the team for multiple seasons.

The length of a kicker's contract can also affect their salary. Kickers who sign long-term contracts typically earn more money than kickers who sign short-term contracts. This is because teams are willing to pay a premium for kickers who are committed to the team for the long term.

In addition, the structure of a kicker's contract can also affect their salary. Kickers who have a high base salary are typically more valuable to teams than kickers who have a low base salary. This is because teams are more likely to rely on kickers who have a guaranteed salary.

Overall, contract status is a major factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who are under contract for multiple years, have a long-term contract, and have a high base salary are typically the most valuable to teams and earn the highest salaries.

4. Team salary cap

The NFL salary cap is a hard ceiling on the amount of money that each team can spend on player salaries. The salary cap is designed to create a more competitive league by preventing teams from spending excessive amounts of money on players. It also helps to ensure that all teams have a fair chance of winning the Super Bowl.

The salary cap has a direct impact on NFL backup kicker salaries. Teams with a higher salary cap have more money to spend on players, including backup kickers. This means that backup kickers on teams with a high salary cap are typically paid more than backup kickers on teams with a low salary cap.

For example, the Dallas Cowboys have one of the highest salary caps in the NFL. As a result, they are able to pay their backup kicker, Brett Maher, a salary of $1.1 million per year. In contrast, the Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the lowest salary caps in the NFL. As a result, they are only able to pay their backup kicker, Ryan Santoso, a salary of $850,000 per year.

The salary cap is an important factor to consider when evaluating NFL backup kicker salaries. Teams with a higher salary cap have more money to spend on players, including backup kickers. This means that backup kickers on teams with a high salary cap are typically paid more than backup kickers on teams with a low salary cap.

5. Market value

In the context of the NFL, market value refers to the worth of a player based on their skills, performance, and potential. It is a key factor in determining a player's salary, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Supply and demand
  

  The supply and demand for kickers can have a significant impact on their market value. If there are a lot of good kickers available, their salaries may be lower than if there are only a few good kickers available. Similarly, if there are a lot of teams looking for kickers, their salaries may be higher than if there are only a few teams looking for kickers.

• Recent performance
  

  A kicker's recent performance can also have a big impact on their market value. Kickers who are coming off of a good season will typically be paid more than kickers who are coming off of a bad season. This is because teams are more likely to be willing to pay for a kicker who has a proven track record of success.

• Age and potential
  

  The age and potential of a kicker can also affect their market value. Younger kickers with a lot of potential may be paid more than older kickers who are nearing the end of their careers. This is because teams are more likely to invest in a kicker who they believe has a bright future.

• Special teams value
  

  In addition to their kicking skills, kickers can also provide value to teams on special teams. Kickers who are good at tackling, blocking, and recovering onside kicks may be paid more than kickers who are not as good at these things. This is because teams are more likely to want a kicker who can contribute in multiple ways.

Overall, market value is a complex concept that can be influenced by a variety of factors. However, it is an important factor in determining a kicker's salary, and it can have a significant impact on their career.

6. Special teams value

Special teams value is an important factor in determining an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who are good at tackling, blocking, and recovering onside kicks may be paid more than kickers who are not as good at these things. This is because teams are more likely to want a kicker who can contribute in multiple ways.

For example, the New England Patriots have a long history of valuing special teams play. In recent years, they have paid their backup kicker, Nick Folk, a salary of $2 million per year. Folk is not only a good kicker, but he is also a valuable special teams player. He is a good tackler and blocker, and he has also recovered several onside kicks during his career.

The value of special teams play has increased in recent years. This is because teams have realized that special teams can be a major factor in winning and losing games. A good special teams unit can help a team win field position battles, score points, and even force turnovers. As a result, teams are now willing to pay more for kickers who can contribute on special teams.

Overall, special teams value is an important factor in determining an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who are good at tackling, blocking, and recovering onside kicks are more likely to be paid more than kickers who are not as good at these things. This is because teams are more likely to want a kicker who can contribute in multiple ways.

7. Injury history

Injury history is an important factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who have a history of injuries are more likely to be paid less than kickers who do not have a history of injuries. This is because teams are more likely to be concerned about the durability of kickers who have a history of injuries.

• Severity of the injury
  

  The severity of the injury is a major factor in determining how much it will affect a kicker's salary. Kickers who have suffered major injuries, such as torn ligaments or broken bones, are more likely to be paid less than kickers who have suffered minor injuries, such as sprains or bruises. This is because major injuries can take longer to heal and can have a greater impact on a kicker's performance.

• Frequency of the injury
  

  The frequency of the injury is also a factor in determining how much it will affect a kicker's salary. Kickers who have a history of recurring injuries are more likely to be paid less than kickers who have only suffered a few injuries. This is because recurring injuries can indicate that a kicker is more susceptible to injury, which can make teams less likely to want to sign them.

• Time missed due to injury
  

  The amount of time that a kicker misses due to injury can also affect their salary. Kickers who miss a significant amount of time due to injury are more likely to be paid less than kickers who miss only a few games. This is because teams are more likely to be concerned about the availability of kickers who have a history of missing games due to injury.

• Age of the kicker
  

  The age of the kicker is also a factor in determining how much their injury history will affect their salary. Older kickers are more likely to be paid less than younger kickers, even if they have a similar injury history. This is because teams are more likely to be concerned about the durability of older kickers.

Overall, injury history is an important factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who have a history of injuries are more likely to be paid less than kickers who do not have a history of injuries. The severity of the injury, the frequency of the injury, the time missed due to injury, and the age of the kicker are all factors that can affect how much a kicker's salary will be affected by their injury history.

8. Age

Age is an important factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who are older are typically paid less than kickers who are younger. This is because teams are more likely to be concerned about the durability of older kickers.

• Experience
  

  Older kickers typically have more experience than younger kickers. This experience can be valuable to teams, as it can help to improve the kicker's accuracy and consistency. However, teams may also be concerned about the fact that older kickers are more likely to suffer injuries.

• Injury history
  

  Older kickers are more likely to have a history of injuries. This is because they have been playing the game for longer and have had more opportunities to get injured. Teams are more likely to be concerned about signing kickers who have a history of injuries, as they may be more likely to miss games due to injury.

• Decline in performance
  

  As kickers get older, they may start to decline in performance. This is because they may lose some of their leg strength and accuracy. Teams are more likely to be willing to pay more for kickers who are performing at a high level, so older kickers may be paid less as their performance declines.

• Replacement cost
  

  Teams are more likely to be willing to pay more for kickers who are difficult to replace. If a team has a young kicker who is performing well, they may be less likely to sign an older kicker, as they may not want to pay more for a player who is not as good and who may be more likely to get injured.

Overall, age is an important factor that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Teams are more likely to be concerned about the durability, injury history, and performance of older kickers. As a result, older kickers are typically paid less than younger kickers.

NFL Backup Kicker Salary FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions about NFL backup kicker salaries, providing clear and informative answers.

The average salary of an NFL backup kicker is around $750,000 per year. However, salaries can range from less than $500,000 to over $1 million per year, depending on factors such as experience, performance, and contract status.

Several factors can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary, including experience, performance, contract status, team salary cap, market value, special teams value, injury history, and age.

Experience is a major factor in determining an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers with more experience are typically more reliable and consistent, which makes them more valuable to teams. Kickers with 5 or more years of experience typically earn higher salaries than kickers with less experience.

Performance is another important factor in determining an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers who perform well are more likely to earn higher salaries than kickers who do not perform well. Factors that affect a kicker's performance include accuracy, range, and consistency.

Injury history can also impact an NFL backup kicker's salary. Kickers with a history of injuries are more likely to be paid less than kickers who do not have a history of injuries. The severity of the injury, the frequency of the injury, the time missed due to injury, and the age of the kicker can all affect how much a kicker's salary will be affected by their injury history.

These are just a few of the factors that can affect an NFL backup kicker's salary. Ultimately, the salary of an NFL backup kicker is determined through negotiations between the player and the team, considering all relevant factors.

Conclusion

The salary of an NFL backup kicker is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, performance, contract status, team salary cap, market value, special teams value, injury history, and age. Backup kickers who have a lot of experience, perform well, and have a good contract are typically paid more than backup kickers who do not have as much experience, do not perform as well, or do not have as good of a contract.

The salary of an NFL backup kicker can also be affected by the team's salary cap. Teams with a higher salary cap have more money to spend on players, including backup kickers. This means that backup kickers on teams with a higher salary cap are typically paid more than backup kickers on teams with a lower salary cap.

Ultimately, the salary of an NFL backup kicker is determined through negotiations between the player and the team. The team will want to pay the lowest possible salary that they can get away with, while the player will want to earn as much money as they can. The final salary will typically be somewhere in the middle, and it will be based on the factors listed above.