The competition for “Tampa’s next top kicker” has come to an end, with Patrick Murray emerging as the winner.
According to a report from the Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman and the agent of Murray himself, the Buccaneers have announced the signing of a new kicker. Patrick Murray, formerly with the Buccaneers in 2014 before a knee injury, was one of several kickers trying out at One Buccaneer Place on Monday. After two straight weeks of critical misses from Nick Folk the Buccaneers had no choice but to make a change.
Patrick Murray has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers @TBBuccaneers
— Neil S Schwartz (@Neilsschwartz) October 9, 2017
In his time with the Buccaneers Murray made 20 of 24 kicks, including five of six from 50 plus yards, and six of seven from between 40 and 49. He was also a perfect 31 of 31 on extra points. After injuring his knee with the Bucs, Murray joined the Browns in 2016 but once again injured his knee just two games into the season. Now healthy, we’ll have to see if Murray is still the same kicker he was before the injury bug hit.
The release of Nick Folk and actual contract of Murray are two things still yet to happen. According to Ian Rapoport the contract details are being hammered out, but Murray is their choice. A possible factor to consider here is whether Murray is simply a stop-gap for the team while they await Cairo Santos to get healthy. The Buccaneers were reportedly bringing Santos, an extremely successful kicker with the Chiefs before going down with an injury, into the building for a physical. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on. Adam Schefter reported Murray will be the Bucs’ kicker Sunday against the Cardinals.
Next: Buccaneers working out pass rusher Lamarr Houston
So, Bucs fans, are you glad to see Patrick Murray unofficially back in a Buccaneers uniform? Was there another kicker you were hoping the team to sign? Let us know in the comments below!