A kicker's job in the NFL is changing this season with the implementation of the new kickoff format. Cincinnati Bengals placekicker Evan McPherson has to take it on like everyone else.
The new format ensures returns for every kickoff as kickoff specialists have to land their kicks in a certain part of the field.
More returns means more tackles will be required from the kicking team, and kickers themselves could be tasked with taking on contact more often. This could be why Bengals special teams coordinator has a change in mind for McPherson.
McPherson, who was mic'd up recently, revealed during mandatory minicamp that Simmons floated the idea of him increasing his weight to 190 pounds.
"I said no sir," McPherson recalled. "I said I might cry if I get to 190."
For reference, McPherson is currently listed at 185 pounds while standing 5-11. He looks like a regular person on the field, as do most kickers, so five more pounds would probably feel more notable to him compared to his larger teammates.
Increasing weight isn't going to make McPherson kick footballs longer, and even if it did, that would serve Cincinnati no good as his kickoffs are supposed to be shorter in length. The only logical reason Simmons would want McPherson to bulk up a bit is to prepare him to help out in kickoff coverage.
Whether that's taking on blocks, or making a stop himself.
Again, it's brand new territory for kickers and teams alike. The Kansas City Chiefs may work around this issue entirely by having safety Justin Reid handle kickoff duties instead of placekicker Harrison Butker.
That alternative player may not exist on the Bengals' roster, which would require McPherson to step up to the plate.
Regardless of new rules, McPherson's importance will be as a field goal kicker first and foremost. His right leg is why he's likely the next Bengal to be extended to a decent-sized contract for his position. A to Z Sports' Josh Queip and Kyle Dediminicantanio project McPherson to take home a four-year, $21 million extension.
Such a contract will be earned by making field goals, not preventing kickoff returns. Nonetheless, McPherson needs to be ready to make a play every once in a while, and adding a couple extra pounds might not be such a bad idea.
