3 kickers Cowboys could sign to upgrade from Brett Maher after playoff debacle

3. Cowboys could sign Jonathan Garibay

When the Cowboys have issues at kicker, one thing they typically do is look at their past. Dallas has been notorious for releasing kickers for various reasons, but bringing them back later during their careers. They brought back Shaun Suisham in 2009 after Nick Folk struggled and of course Brett Maher this past season. Jonathan Garibay could be the next example.

Garibay, an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech, was invited to Cowboys training camp last July to compete for the starting kicking job. He and Liram Hajrullahu competed for the first week of camp with neither gaining an edge. Garibay struggled all throughout his first week of camp. His worst day came when he missed four straight.

On August 9th, Dallas opted to sign Brett Maher and Garibay was released before the first preseason game.The move made sense, but once again Dallas is in the same position. With no kicker, much less any idea as to where Dallas plans to find one, Garibay may get a phone call to give it a second shot with the Cowboys.

Garibay had a few moments in college. His junior season, and first as a Red Raider, he went 8 of 11 on field goals including a game-winner to beat the Baylor Bears. His senior year he went 15 of 16 and hit a 62-yard field goal to beat the Iowa State Cyclones. This kick was arguably the biggest reason Garibay generated interest from the Cowboys.

While he has not been on another NFL team since his release, Garibay could be brought in at least for another tryout. He is a player Dallas is familiar with and would cost next to nothing to sign. The Cowboys have nothing to lose bringing in Garibay for another chance.

Your starting kicker is arguably one of the most important positions in football right next to your starting quarterback. The fact Dallas does not have one in place for 2023 is concerning. The Cowboys have been plagued by inconsistent kicking for years.

For a team looking to advance far in the playoffs, you have to have a kicker you know will make the clutch field goals.