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Breaking down Cowboys’ kicker options to replace Greg Zuerlein

By Lauren Barash

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Kicker Jonathan Garibay #46 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders kicks off during the first half of the college football game against the Baylor Bears at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Kicker Jonathan Garibay #46 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders kicks off during the first half of the college football game against the Baylor Bears at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys, Jonathan Garibay
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 14: Kicker Jonathan Garibay #46 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up for a field goal during the first half of the college football game against the Baylor Bears at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

3. Jonathan Garibay, UDFA

Although he hasn’t played a single game in the NFL, Garibay is certainly a good option. He had a successful kicking career in the Big 12 and led the conference in several categories. Garibay wasn’t far from the best kicker in the draft class, but he still has a lot to offer to the Cowboys.

Let’s take a look at the stats from the Texas Tech kicker’s final collegiate season:

  • 15-of-16 on field-goal attempts
  • 49-of-50 on PATs
  • 14-for-14 on field goals within 50 yards
  • Two game-winning field goals
  • In the FBS record book for his 62-yard field goal against Iowa State that marked the longest FG to win a game with less than a minute remaining
  • Big 12 leader in field goal percentage

Let’s remember that even though Naggar was “competition” for Garibay, Naggar played in one NFL game and missed one of his two PAT kicks in that contest. After having a season in which Cowboys fans had to hold their breath whenever Zuerlein lined up to kick (from any distance), Garibay would be a welcome change if he can be as consistent as he was in college.

Plus, we all learned from Bengals K Evan McPherson that rookies can truly make a difference in their first season. However, you’d think Dallas would want to give the young gun some competition. The problem? There are not many names left. According to Spotrac, there are six available free agents left, and one of them is Naggar. So, bare with us. We understand that these next two options are far from ideal.

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