Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

- Written by Kyle Smith
- Edited by Allie Fontana

Top Free-Agent Kickers

David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles)

Akers has been one of the better kickers in the league for quite some time, but when the Philadelphia Eagles signed Nebraska’s Alex Henery in Round 4 of the 2011 NFL Draft, it became clear that his days with the team were numbered. Although Akers is 36, you have to believe that he’ll get a shot somewhere else considering his track record of success. Speculation is that he’ll remain in the NFC East and sign with either the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins. Akers has made at least 32 field goals and 43 extra points in each of his last three seasons, and should still be one of the top kickers for fantasy football owners in 2011.

Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts)

Vinatieri had a great season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2010, hitting 26-of-28 field goals he attempted. An injury-plagued 2009 season had some wondering if it was over for the veteran, until his stellar campaign last season quashed the doubters. Vinatieri is expected to re-sign with the Colts, and though he doesn’t have a big leg anymore–he didn’t make any field goals of 50 or more yards in the 2010 regular season–he is reliable. Fantasy owners can count on Vinatieri to deliver a solid number of points kicking PATs, of which he had 51 a season ago.

Matt Bryant (Atlanta Falcons)

Bryant was excellent for the Atlanta Falcons in 2010, converting 28 field goals in 31 attempts. Both he and the Falcons have made it known that they’d like to continue their partnership, so look for the veteran to once again be kicking under perfect conditions in the Georgia Dome. In the last five seasons in which Bryant has had more than 10 field goal attempts, he’s nailed at least84 percentof them four times, and he’s made at least 28 field goals in three of his past four seasons. Bryant remains a top fantasy option this year.

Shayne Graham (New England Patriots)

Graham performed well for the New England Patriots last season after Stephen Gostkowski suffered a serious injury to his kicking leg and underwent surgery in November. Reports indicate that Gostkowski is fully recovered and ready to resume kicking duties, therefore it’s unlikely that Graham will return to New England in 2011. He’s a dependable kicker who has made 86 percent of field goal attempts throughout his 10-year career. Unfortunately his kickoffs leave something to be desired and that could hurt his free-agent value. Graham will probably have to contend for a job somewhere, making his fantasy prospects heading into the 2011 season somewhat up in the air.

Ryan Longwell (Minnesota Vikings)

Longwell has stated his desire to be back with the Minnesota Vikings in 2011 provided the team offers him a fair deal, however whether the team wants him back. He only made 17 field goals last season, but that was because of the Vikings’ offensive struggles, not Longwell’s efforts. In fact, he only missed one field goal on the year, and just three over the past two seasons in the comfy confines of the Metrodome. He will be 37 when the season starts, and while there could be a few more attractive kickers on the market, Longwell has a strong, accurate leg. Monitor his status once free agency kicks in. If he re-signs with the Vikings or lands in a good situation elsewhere, then Longwell should be worth a final-round pick in your fantasy football draft or safe to use as a bye-week replacement.

Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers)

Much was expected out of Crosby following his ball crushing days out of Colorado. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old really hasn’t delivered on his potential at the professional level. In his four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Crosby has failed to make 80 percent of his field goals attempts. Misses aside, he’s still an attractive fantasy option for several reasons. First, Crosby can hit those long field goals and he’s connected on at least four 50-plus yard attempts in each of his four NFL seasons. He kicks well under less than stellar weather conditions and he gets plenty of extra point opportunities thanks to the potent Packers offense. Crosby is a virtual lock to re-sign with Green Bay. If he does, then Mason is worth drafting as your final-round pick in all fantasy football league formats.

Matt Prater (Denver Broncos)

There’s no reason to think that the Denver Broncos would not re-sign Prater, who banged home 16-of-18 field goals (88.9 percent) that he attempted in 2010. In fact, Prater has improved his field goal percentage in each of his three seasons as the Broncos kicker. He also gets excellent distance on kickoffs, which makes him even more valuable. He suffered a season-ending groin injury late in the year and was replaced by Steven Hauschka for the final three games of the regular season. Prater’s overall totals aren’t gaudy, which makes him a second-tier option in fantasy football, however if the Broncos improve offensively, then Prater’s value will rise. 

Olindo Mare (Seattle Seahawks)

The 38-year-old Mare has made no bones about the fact that he wants to remain with the Seattle Seahawks and the team could certainly do worse at the position. Mare made 25-of-30 field goal attempts, 31 extra points, and two games in which he connected on five field goals last season.  In fact, he’s hit at least 25 field goals in each of the three seasons that he’s kicked in the Great Northwest. He’ll once again be a suitable bye-week fantasy option should he return to the Seahawks in 2011.

Jeff Reed (San Francisco 49ers)

Reed was signed by the San Francisco 49er in early December as a fill in for the injured Joe Nedney. Although Reed connected on 9-of-10 field goal attempts for the Niners, he’ll probably be looking for a new gig this season. Some fantasy owners might be nervous about drafting Reed this season, especially those who remember that the Pittsburgh Steelers cut him in November after he missed seven field goals, including some from close range. You’re better off watching where he lands and monitoring how he performs before adding him to your roster.

Nick Folk (New York Jets)

Folk was on the verge of getting axed by the New York Jets last season, except he somehow made it through unscathed. Whether or not he’ll be back is another story, considering his inconsistency over the past two seasons, in which he’s made only 72 percent of his tries. No matter where Folk ends up, he’ll probably have to battle for a job. There are certainly more reliable fantasy options than him when you choose a kicker in the last round.

Other Free-Agent Kickers of Note:

Shane Andrus (San Francisco 49ers), Connor Barth* (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Steven Hauschka (Denver Broncos), Aaron Pettrey (Cincinnati Bengals), Dave Rayner (Detroit Lions), Shaun Suisham (Pittsburgh Steelers)

*Restricted Free Agent