Cowboys Sign Greg Zuerlein to 3-Year Deal and Emphatically Solve Kicking Problem
By Jerry Trotta
Dallas Cowboys supporters will be able to sleep tonight knowing that the franchise addressed its glaring kicking issue in one swift move on Friday.
Per NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the Cowboys signed free agent Greg Zuerlein, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, to a three-year contract worth $7.5 million.
The #Cowboys are signing former #Rams K Greg Zuerlein to a 3-year, $7.5M deal, per @MikeGarafolo.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 27, 2020
This is a phenomenal move for the Cowboys, who were forced to release kicker Brett Maher after an abysmal showing in 2019. In 13 games, which was far too many to begin with, Maher drilled just 20 of his 30 field goal attempts (66.7%). His ten missed field goals were the most of any kicker in the NFL.
Dallas then claimed veteran Kai Forbath, who actually turned out to be an adequate replacement by hitting on all 11 of his FG attempts. For obvious reasons, the franchise didn't see Forbath as the long-term option and that has led to the signing of Zuerlein.
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
The 32-year-old Zeurlein is widely regarded to have the biggest leg in the league, though it's worth noting that he did struggle with injuries and efficiency last season. For his career, however, Greg the Leg has been as consistent as they come, hitting on 82% of his 245 FG tries.
Zuerlein was an integral component of the Rams' special teams unit over the last eight seasons and he'll fill a cavernous hole for the Cowboys in 2019.