Buccaneers re-signing Chase McLaughlin is one of the most important moves of the offseason

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hard at work trying to bring back players who helped them reach the NFC Divisional Round last year, and so far the plan has been a success.

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans were extended ahead of the legal tampering period opening, while Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David, and Chase Edmonds were all brought back as well. One of the biggest players returning flew under the radar a bit but was nonetheless just as important.

NFL Network's Ian Rappaport initially reported that the Buccaneers re-signed kicker Chase McLaughlin to a three-year, $12.3 million contract on Monday. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times later confirmed Rappaport's report, meaning the 27-year-old McLaughlin will remain in Tampa through the 2026 season.

Buccaneers re-signing Chase McLaughlin is one of the most important moves of the offseason

Following short and uninspiring stints with seven different teams in his first four seasons, McLaughlin was spectacular in his debut season as a Buccaneer. As Tampa Bay's placekicker, McLaughlin made 29 of 31 field goal attempts and a perfect 33-33 mark on extra-point attempts, both career-bests.

It's worth noting that McLaughlin's two missed kicks were blocked, and his 93.5% field goal clip is the best by a Buccaneers' kicker in franchise history. McLaughlin continued his strong play in the playoffs, going 4-5 on field goals and 5-5 on extra points.

Before signing with Tampa Bay last offseason, McLaughlin has enjoyed several quality seasons in the NFL. In 64 career games, McLaughlin has made 82.5% of his field goals and 98.4% of his extra points. In addition, McLaughlin has totaled 79 touchbacks and 10,525 kickoff yards on 166 career kickoffs for a 47.6% touchback rate, per Sports Reference.

Last season, McLaughlin signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with Tampa Bay, the 32-most expensive contract among kickers, according to Spotrac. This year, McLaughlin's deal makes him the second-highest paid kicker in the league, only trailing Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn ($15.9 million).

McLaughlin went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, and signed with the Bills before being released. Since then, McLaughlin has played for the Colts, Chargers, 49ers, Jaguars, Jets, Browns, Colts and Buccaneers. With his new contract, McLaughlin will stay in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future as the Buccaneers' star placekicker.

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