Cowboys veteran should still watch his back despite latest news
On Tuesday's deadline to get the roster down to 80 players, the Dallas Cowboys released kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The Kosovar-born player was battling Brett Maher for the roster spot after technically beating out Jonathan Garibay. The decision to move on from Hajrullahu leaves Maher as the only kicker on the Cowboys. However, that might not […]
On Tuesday's deadline to get the roster down to 80 players, the Dallas Cowboys released kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The Kosovar-born player was battling Brett Maher for the roster spot after technically beating out Jonathan Garibay.
The decision to move on from Hajrullahu leaves Maher as the only kicker on the Cowboys. However, that might not be enough to call him a 53-man roster lock.
Chances are the Dallas front office hasn't forgotten about Maher's inconsistency issues. Consider the following stats from my article on the Maher signing earlier in August:
After kicking for 81% in 2018, Maher’s production went down significantly in his second season with the Cowboys. He finished that year with a poor 67% rate including a disastrous 5-for-13 mark in attempts over 40 yards, per Pro Football Reference.
Now granted, he was better with the New Orleans Saints last year by kicking for an 89% rate. Even still, that was out of 18 attempts, a very small sample size to feel confidence projecting how constant he can be over a full season.
This is why I believe Maher's spot isn't entirely secure. There's still the possibility of adding another kicker from around the NFL, especially as there are hundreds of cuts left to be made.
One specific team the Cowboys should be monitoring closely is their Week 1 rival. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have a battle at kicker. But it's a different kind of battle than the ones that have taken place in Dallas this offseason.
Ryan Succop and Jose Borregales have both been good for the Bucs. Succop, the veteran, is hitting deep kicks in practice. Recently, he even made one from 55 yards. Over the past two seasons in Tampa Bay, he's been good for 87% in 61 attempts. That's including making 14-of-19 field goals between 40 and 49 yards.
Borregales is the exciting rising player though. He spent the 2021 season in the Bucs' practice squad and is looking very good in the preseason. Against the Miami Dolphins, he hit the go-ahead 55-yarder and was a perfect 3-for-3 in extra points.
The Cowboys should be looking at this situation and others around the NFL to consider upgrading the position before the regular season. Otherwise, it will be another season of sweating every time Dallas needs a field goal. Whatever the distance may be.
Related: Check out the other Dallas Cowboys roster moves to get to 80 players here.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
