The Washington Commanders are creating a kicking competition this preseason by signing former Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley.
Badgley has bounced around the league throughout his five-year career, spending his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers but splitting each of the last two years with multiple teams. In his career, he has made 81.7 percent of his field goals with a long of 59 yards, as well as 96.9 percent of his extra points.
“It's a good opportunity," Badgley said. "You know, you go into any type of competition, at least for me, the same way, just go out there and kick as well as you can and prove people wrong and just have fun with it.”
In 12 games with Detroit last season, Badgley made 20 of his 24 field goals and all 33 of his extra points.
With a strong camp, Badgley could replace Joey Slye, the Commanders' kicker in their last 23 games dating back to 2021.
Slye made 25 of his 30 field goal attempts last season while connecting on 24 of 28 extra point attempts.
"I feel like going into year five if you don't know already by now, being in the NFL, you're going to be competing against everyone anyway, whether they're at camp or not," Slye said. "I've had situations where I didn't have competition in camp and I got cut when I was in Carolina, and I've had situations where I've had competition in camp and they've cut them after."
Ultimately for Slye, the direct competition in the building doesn't change much of his mindset.
"I just go out and handle my own business and kind of let all the cards fall where they may," Slye said. "I know the confidence I have in myself and my abilities and if I'm at my best, I feel like I could be one of the best.”
Badgley and Slye will have the spotlight on them Friday when the Commanders face the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener.
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