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Veteran NFL Kicker Cut Days After 2025 Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 1:28 PM ET

The Washington Commanders made a kicking switch Tuesday, days after the 2025 NFL Draft.

According to multiple reports, the Commanders have released Zane Gonzalez, who was the team's kicker for six regular season games and all three playoff contests last year. Gonzalez made 5-of-7 field goals and all 199 extra point attempts during the regular season before converting 7-of-8 field goals and 8-of-8 extra points in the postseason.

To replace Gonzalez on the roster, Washington is reportedly signing former Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams kicker Matt Gay.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Gay will sign a one-year deal with Washington, worth more than $4.25 million fully guaranteed.

"t’s the most fully guaranteed money for a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL history. Gay can earn up to $5M with reachable incentives," Pelissero tweeted.

Matt Gay kicks a point after attempt for the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Originally a fifth-round pick of the Bucs out of Utah in 2019, Gay kicked for the Colts the last two seasons. He made 64-of-78 field goals and 68-of-69 extra points with Indianapolis.

After converting 80.5% of his field goals in 2023, the second-lowest rate of his career, Gay improved to 83.8% (31-of-37) last season. All six of his misses came from 50 or more yards.

In fact, long-range inaccuracy plagued Gay in both of his years with Indianapolis. He was just 11-of-22 from 50-plus with the Colts, who released the 31-year-old earlier this month two years into a four-year contract.

"Kicking is very, very mental," Gay said. "I've been very good from 50-plus in my career, and I have full confidence going forward that I can make these kicks. I've shown that I can do that."

Prior to signing with the Colts, Gay helped the Rams win a Super Bowl in 2021, the same year he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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