If Josh Lambo was the big-legged free agent kicker at the top of your list for the Bears this offseason, I have some bad news for you: the Jaguars have just re-signed him to an extension.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports Lambo’s deal is worth $15.5 million and includes $6.5 million in full guarantees. And at $3.875 AAV, Lambo is tied for the seventh highest-paid kicker on a per-year basis. Cha-ching! Indeed, Lambo’s new deal appears to set the market for what high-end kickers could be asking for in free agency. This might be a bit rich for the tastes of some, but you have to ask yourself what’s costlier – the price of a kicker who makes big kicks from deep distances … or one who can’t find the space between the uprights?
I don’t want to pour salt on any open wounds here, but it’s at least worth our time to check in on the numbers that propelled him to this deal, so let’s just get it to it. Lambo has made 92.7 percent of his field goals and 93.2 percent of extra points in 23 games since signing with the Jaguars on October 17, 2017. Considering the importance of an accurate kicker in a Jaguars offense that stalls often due to its passing game, this seems like a heady move by Jacksonville’s front office.
And not to make matters worse: I suppose this is a good time to remind you that the Bears had Lambo in for a tryout on October 4, 2017 – nearly two weeks before the Jacksonville signing. Grumble.
Lambo has been the Jaguars’ most consistent offensive weapon the last two years and was a money player, when the team took the Patriots to the wire in the AFC Championship Game two seasons ago. Through that lens, the Lambo deal looks like money well spent.
While Cody Parkey’s deal might give others pause when handing out a pricey extension, one would argue Lambo has certainly earned his pay day in Florida.