On the heels of an NFC Championship run, the Detroit Lions are doing everything they can to make another deep playoff run next fall. Detroit made a roster move on Thursday, ensuring at least one of their top-scoring options will again don the blue and white in 2024. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have signed kicker Michael Badgley to a one-year deal, confirming he will remain with the team for a third straight season.
The Lions opened the season with Riley Patterson as their placekicker, but after missing two extra points in three games, Detroit opted to replace him with Badgley. The Lions last had just one kicker throughout an entire season in 2020, when Matt Prater played all 16 games.
Michael Badgley: Returning to Detroit Next Season
The Lions inked Michael Badgley to a one-year deal on Thursday after a stellar four-game run with the team last season. Badgley made his season debut in mid-December, making all six of his extra points in a lopsided 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos. The Miami (FL) product made his first field goal attempt the following week while going 3-of-4 on extra points. Badgley finished the regular season a perfect 4-of-4 from field goal range, including a long of 41 yards. The 28-year-old remained perfect in the postseason, making both his field goal tries.
Badgley also played for the Detroit Lions in 2022, making 20-of-24 field goals, but did not initially make the team last season. In his career, the placekicker owns an 82% mark on field goals. However, he has not dipped under that percentage over the past two seasons. Additionally, Badgley is 96% regarding extra points despite missing two in 2023.
Detroit Lions: Eyeing Return to NFC Championship
Last season, the Detroit Lions won their first playoff game since 1991. Detroit bested the Los Angeles Rams during Super Wild Card Weekend before taking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following weekend. However, in the NFC Championship, they fell in a 34-31 heartbreaker to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lions signed kicker Michael Badgley on Thursday, and recent reports suggest they will try to extend quarterback Jared Goff and wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff has thrown for 78 touchdowns against 27 picks in three seasons with the Lions. Meanwhile, St. Brown earned All-Pro honors in 2023 after a 119-catch, 1,515-yard campaign. He scored ten times.
More must-reads: