For the Detroit Lions, the kicker position is one that has plenty of intrigue heading into the start of the 2024 offseason.
The incumbent is once again Michael Badgley, who took a unique route to his spot as the Lions' kicker.
He was the starter in 2022 and returned on a short-term deal in the offseason, but was beat out by Riley Patterson in training camp. After landing with Tennessee and later Washington, he found his way back to Detroit on the practice squad.
Once there, he competed with Patterson over the course of several weeks and eventually won the job late in the season. He was perfect on his field goal attempts and missed two extra points, one of which was blocked.
Now, Badgley is set to return in 2024 after inking a one-year deal earlier in the offseason. Still, his spot won't be guaranteed as the Lions plan to add competition.
General manager Brad Holmes made this clear during his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket's 'Costa and Jansen Show With Heather' Tuesday.
"Badgley, he's done a nice job. He's been clutch throughout his career. He's done what we've needed to do, so he's been good," Holmes said. "Now, with all positions, there will be competitions. And Badgley understands that, he knows there will be competition. But right now, I understand that he did a nice job, he signed, but he's still gonna have competition."
In two years with the Lions, Badgley is 24-of-28 with a long of 53 in the regular season. He added a crucial 54-yard boot in the Lions' 24-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams during the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Badgley has a career-long of 59, which came in his rookie season. Last year, Detroit's kicker competition consisted of Patterson, Badgley and XFL kicker John Parker Romo.
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