Should the Dallas Cowboys move on from Brett Maher?

Brett Maher had some spectacular moments for the Dallas Cowboys. But his inconsistencies are too much of a burden for the team. He must be replaced.

Out of nowhere, former Dallas Cowboys‘ kicker, Dan Bailey, was released from the organization in early September right before the 2018 regular season. The team replaced the best kicker in franchise history with Brett Maher who had some experience in NFL training camps and kicked in the Canadian Football League.

After missing the first field goal of his NFL career, Maher went on to nail 16 straight kicks, per Pro Football Focus. On what would have been his 17th straight make, Maher missed a  52-yard game-winning kick as the clock went to zero.

Maher ended the year with an 80.6 field goal percentage, the 25th best among all kickers who attempted 20 or more field goals. Though he kicked some crazy long field goals, you had to hold your breath when he attempted anything from the 30-50 yard range.

Dallas should consider upgrading the kicker position. Maher’s inconsistency is enough of a cause to justify his release. The kicker is not a position that teams should keep with the hope he develops into a Pro Bowler. There are enough kickers out there that go undrafted that they could find a replacement.

The Cowboys do not have to release him. They can find someone else and have them compete for a starting role. Maher’s contract is not so heavy that they have to either push him off the team. His contract only counts $570,000 against the salary cap in 2019, per Spotrac. America’s Team is in no rush financially.

But they need to find someone reliable. It’s unrealistic to think they can find the next Bailey, but someone who can at least be an above average kicker would surely ease some nerves in tight games. There are plenty of free agents that would do a fine job: New York Jets’ Jason Myers being one of them. At only 27-years old, Myers boasted a 91.7 field goal percentage (fifth in the league).

Myers would cost more than Maher, but the difference in production speaks for itself. Besides adding a kicker in free agency, Dallas also has options in the draft. Cole Tracy out of LSU and John Baron II could be looked at after the fifth round.

At that point in the draft, it might make sense to draft someone who will start at kicker, than getting a guy who will sit on the practice squad. Do not be surprised if the Dallas Cowboys move on from Maher. He has had great moments and some embarrassing moments. But the kicker position has to be consistent.

If the Cowboys wish to go all in for a Super Bowl run, they cannot afford to have an inaccurate kicker. The time has come for the Cowboys to upgrade the kicker position.

Do you think the Dallas Cowboys should move on from Brett Maher? Who is someone that could take his place? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below!

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