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Dallas Cowboys executive opens up about continued search for new kicker

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle06/01/23

NikkiChavanelle

Cowboys McClay
Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys are still on the hunt for a new kicker after choosing not to re-up on Brett Maher. Although dependable for most of the season, Maher became the first kicker ever to miss four extra-point attempts in a single game.

On Tuesday, Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay confirmed that the team is looking far and wide for some competition for the only kicker currently on the roster Tristan Vizcaino.

“We’re looking at the other leagues. We’re looking at guys that are out on the streets, guys that potentially come in a trade,” McClay said, via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “It’s a big mix of all that stuff, and when the time is right we will find the right kicker to add to the competition.”

The “right time” to add a new kicker could be before, during or even after training camp. Dallas didn’t sign Maher last season until August.

Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t quite ready to hand Vizcaino the job without a challenger.

“I’d definitely say it’s fluid,” McCarthy said last week. “We’ll continue to work that. XFL, USFL, we’re looking at all the options. We definitely want to have competition at the kicking position.”

By looking to the lower levels of the game, the Cowboys could save a bit on cap space. They have around $20 million following the post-June 1 cut date. However, much of that money is already allocated toward contract incentives or future practice squad elevations.

If Vizcaino ends up winning the job, the Cowboys would start a kicker who’s made 11-of-12 field goals over the last three seasons. He’s also 15-for-20 on extra-point attempts.

Cowboys preparing for ‘pretty wild’ special teams competition

Most know that the Cowboys are expecting an open competition at kicker this offseason. However, Fassel also told reporters that figuring out the rest of the special teams group this summer will be “pretty wild.”

“There’s a few [spots] on special teams where it’s wide open,” Fassel said, via DallasCowboys.com. “So, training camp should be pretty wild.”

Dallas lost two key special teams contributors in free agency. There are several more spots up for grabs as rookies and younger players work to unseat their more veteran counterparts.

Noah Brown, now with the Houston Texans, was a versatile component of the blocking scheme, while new Titans linebacker Luke Gifford was one of the top tacklers on special teams last season.

Special teams can be one of the best ways to make the official roster if late-round picks or undrafted free agents can’t carve out a role on offense or defense.

“They know that it’s open competition and there’s not room for everybody,” Fassel said. “We don’t put pressure on it. We say this is competition, help your teammate out, challenge them, make each other better, and there will be some really cool battles where our team has a lot of spots that are ‘he’s going to be the starter, he’s going to be the starter, he’s going to be the starter.’”