The Kansas City Chiefs strengthened their special teams by extending the contract of ace kicker Harrison Butker.
The new contract, signed on Monday, assures Butker’s long-term stay with the squad.
Butker becomes highest-paid kicker
The contract includes $17.8 million in guaranteed money, making Butker the NFL’s highest-paid kicker.
This contract exceeds Jake Elliott and Justin Tucker’s average annual salary of $6 million.
Chiefs, K Harrison Butker agree to terms on 4-year, $25.6M contract extension with $17.8M in guarantees. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/yHxe4MtOd3
— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2024
The 29-year-old kicker has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ success since joining the team in 2017.
Butker was known for his steadiness, converting 33 of 35 field-goal attempts and all 38 extra-point tries last season.
His prowess has been critical to the Chiefs’ three Lombardi Trophy victories since 2020, including a record-breaking 57-yard field goal in their recent Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Butker has an 89.1% field goal success rate and a 94.5% point-after-touchdown rate in seven seasons with the Chiefs.
His career-long field goal of 62 yards was made in 2022.
In playoff action, he has maintained an amazing 88.9% field goal and 95.4% PAT accuracy.
There’s no place I’d rather be than with the Chiefs, excited to finalize a 4 year extension. To the Heights! pic.twitter.com/geMUZTaNmZ
— Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) August 5, 2024
Butker, a key figure in the Cheifs’ success
Butker’s path to becoming the league’s highest-paid kicker began when the Carolina Panthers selected him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
After being signed to the Panthers’ practice squad, he joined the Chiefs early in the regular season owing to the injury of incumbent kicker Cairo Santos.
Butker has since delivered clutch performances, including game-winning kicks in the 2022 postseason against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
His nine successful Super Bowl field goals are an all-time record.
Butker’s dependable leg will be a valuable weapon as the Chiefs pursue their third consecutive championship.
He’ll be working with a new holder, punter Matt Araiza, whom special teams coach Dave Toub commended for his smooth transition into the position.
