Dallas Cowboys shake up kicker competition despite big day from Lirim Hajrullahu

The Dallas Cowboys continue their search for a kicker this offseason, deciding to add a veteran to their ongoing competition in training camp. Dallas will bring in former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher to compete on Tuesday with Lirim Hajrullahu and rookie Jonathan Garibay.

The decision was shared after a day where Hajrullahu posted the first perfect practice of camp by making 8-of-8 field goals — highlighting the indecision Dallas is facing with their special teams position.

Dallas Cowboys add to kicker competition

“Question asked Saturday: Is now the time to shake up the Cowboys’ kicker competition? Lirim Hajrullahu went 8-for-8 today, the first perfect outing of any kicker in Cowboys camp. Rookie Jonathan Garibay went 6-for-8. Still, the question looms,” explained the Dallas Morning News‘ Michael Gehlken on Monday.

“Cowboys to work out three kickers Tuesday, including Brett Maher, two people familiar with the tryout said. An answer to the weekend question is coming.”

Although it’s unclear exactly what Dallas is expecting to see with Maher entering the kicker battle, it could simply be a case of checking all their boxes and making sure they get the decision right. Maher is a proven powerful kicker out of Nebraska who has experience on eight different NFL teams as a practice squad or offseason kicker.

Maher has seen NFL game action with Dallas and the New Orleans Saints both, including two made field goals on the field for Dallas over 62 yards.

However, Hajrullahu has been a kicker Dallas continues to give opportunities to. Dallas brought him in last season while Greg Zuerlein struggled to return to his Pro Bowl form after back surgery. On the field for Dallas he only played in one game, but went 5-for-5 on extra point attempts and did not attempt a field goal. Hajrullahu spent the end of the season with the Carolina Panthers, making 4-of-5 attempts.

Up until Maher’s addition, the battle this offseason has been between Hajrullahu and undrafted rookie Jonathan Garibay out of Texas Tech. With his recent perfect performance in camp, Hajrullahu appeared to be on track to win the job. However, Maher’s journeyman status makes for an interesting development heading into practice on Tuesday.