Former Lions Kicker Michael Badgley Signs with Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have signed former Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley to a one-year contract.

Badgley, 27, spent the past two seasons with the Lions, where he made 20 of 24 field goals and 43 of 44 extra points. He was released by the Lions on July 19.

Prior to joining the Lions, Badgley spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. He made 94 of 115 field goals (81.7%) and 155 of 160 extra points (96.9%) with the Chargers.

Badgley is a career 82.1% field goal kicker and 95.5% extra point kicker. He is also a good kickoff specialist, averaging 71.4 yards per kickoff with a touchback percentage of 63.3%.

The Commanders are looking for a reliable kicker after they released Joey Slye earlier this month. Slye was inconsistent last season, making 25 of 31 field goals (80.6%) and 34 of 35 extra points (97.1%).

Badgley is expected to compete with Dustin Hopkins for the starting kicking job with the Commanders. Hopkins has been the team's starting kicker since 2019, but he has also been inconsistent. He made 23 of 28 field goals (82.1%) and 32 of 34 extra points (94.1%) last season.

The Commanders' kicking competition is expected to be one of the most closely watched position battles in training camp. The winner of the job will be responsible for helping the Commanders win close games.

Analysis:

The signing of Badgley is a good move for the Commanders. He is a proven kicker who has been reliable in the past. He should help the Commanders win close games, which is something they struggled to do last season.

The competition between Badgley and Hopkins will be interesting to watch. Both kickers have the potential to be the starting kicker for the Commanders. It will be up to the coaching staff to decide who gives the team the best chance to win.

What's Next:

The Commanders will begin training camp on July 27. The kicking competition will be one of the most closely watched position battles in camp. The winner of the job will be responsible for helping the Commanders win close games.