Chase McLaughlin has been an absolute stud since joining the Bucs back in 2023, and this season is no different. The 29-year-old kicker has nailed all nine field goal attempts over 50 yards this season, the most in the NFL without a miss.
In fact, no other kicker has more than six without a miss; he's leading the pack big time.
Throughout his career, he's been solid from 50-plus, but never this good. Entering 2025, McLaughlin was 15 of 18 from 50+ as a Buccaneer. This is fantastic, but not perfect. Overall, McLaughlin has been a great kicker in Tampa Bay, but still struggles with 40-to-49-yard field goals.
This trend dates back to his rookie campaign in 2019 and is the reason he spent time on five different teams between 2019 and 2020. Over his first two years in the league, McLaughlin hit 79% of his field goals, but only six out of eleven from 40-49 yards.
2021 was no different. The third-year kicker made all eleven kicks from inside and outside the 40-49, but made just 40% between those yard lines. His 93% field goal percentage over the last two seasons is partially because of his dramatic improvement in this area until this season.
The Bucs weakest link have turned into their biggest strength
Through Week 6, McLaughlin hit 50% of his FGs between 40-49 yards out, and hasn't had one since. That's probably for the best, because he's been perfect in every kick since then. These aren't just any kicks either; he's been clutch when the Bucs need him most.
Most recently, he nailed a 57-yarder late in Week 13 against the Cardinals, and the Bucs won by three. In Week 8 against the Saints, McLaughlin hit three from 50+, but the stakes weren't nearly as high.
Looking back, it's confusing why the Bucs bet on McLaughlin when they did, but it's paid off. His highest FG% entering 2023 was 83%, and everyone knew his weakness. Despite this, Tampa Bay took a chance, and he's made 81 of 89 attempts so far.
Elite kickers are rare, and teams are highly impatient when a kicker is struggling. For some reason, the Bucs suffered through three pitiful seasons of Ryan Succop making 84% of his FGs before turning a new leaf. Thankfully, the McLaughlin era in Tampa Bay has been fantastic, and fans are relieved to know the position is in good hands.