The Detroit Lions finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. The team is now in the process of building the practice squad and shoring up any holes for the start of the regular season.
While the Lions undeniably have one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, there is at least one shaky position group: kicker.
Jake Bates had an up-and-down summer but ultimately was able to secure the gig. Although Bates has the job now, the kicker doesn’t have regular-season experience in the NFL.
If the young kicker struggles, the Lions may not have a choice but to move on. The Lions have championship aspirations, so they can’t afford to be patient with an inconsistent kicker.
Today, let’s take a look at three available kickers who could be added to the practice squad as another option just in case Bates falters.
Kickers Detroit Lions should target
Anders Carlson
Carlson was a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Green Bay Packers already decided to cut bait. Carlson was unable to secure the Packers’ kicking job, so the youngster will look to latch on elsewhere.
Carlson saw some struggles last season, converting 27-of-33 field goals and 34-of-39 extra points. But he's still one of the better options out there.
Could it be struggles adjusting to the NFL? Or does Carlson simply not have it? Either way, it’s worth it to take a gamble on the once highly-touted kicker.
Greg Joseph
Speaking of the Packers, Greg Joseph is another potential option for the Lions. Joseph initially seemed to have won the job, but the Packers are instead going with rookie Brayden Narveson, leaving Joseph looking for another employer.
Joseph is an experienced kicker who recently had a solid three-year stretch with the Minnesota Vikings. The kicker has a career 82.6% field goal percentage and a 90.1% extra point success rate.
While Bates has no NFL experience, Joseph has plenty. It would be a nice security blanket to have Joseph on the practice squad in Detroit.
Randy Bullock
The veteran kicker has played in 144 NFL games and has made 83.4% of his field goals.
Bullock last played for the New York Giants in 2023. The kicker made 5-of-6 FGs for the Giants, including a long of 56 yards. Bullock also made 100% of his extra points in New York. The veteran has plenty of kicking experience and would give the Lions a proven backup option.
Bullock will likely have options if he wishes to kick again, but he could be intrigued by joining an exciting Lions team that could give him another opportunity to start.
