Bengals extend kicker Evan McPherson's contract, solidifying their special teams unit.

Why it matters: A reliable and clutch kicker can be the difference between winning and losing in close games, making McPherson's extension a crucial move for the Bengals' success.

What's new: The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million extension with kicker Evan McPherson, according to sources.

Yes, but: While McPherson ranks 26th among qualifying kickers in field goal percentage, he has excelled in long-distance kicks, making the most field goals of 50 or more yards since entering the league.

• McPherson played a crucial role in the Bengals' playoff run last season, hitting game-winning field goals in the AFC divisional round and the AFC championship game.
• Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised McPherson's performance and called him a big part of the team.
• Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons commended McPherson for his composure in high-pressure situations.

What to watch: McPherson's consistency and ability to handle pressure will be key factors in the Bengals' success in close games.

What's next: With McPherson locked in, the Bengals can focus on other areas of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

• Kansas City's Harrison Butker also received a contract extension this offseason, highlighting the value teams place on reliable kickers.

The bottom line: By extending McPherson's contract, the Bengals are investing in their special teams unit and ensuring they have a dependable kicker for the foreseeable future.

Bengals extend kicker Evan McPherson's contract, solidifying their special teams unit.

Why it matters: A reliable and clutch kicker can be the difference between winning and losing in close games, making McPherson's extension a crucial move for the Bengals' success.

What's new: The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million extension with kicker Evan McPherson, according to sources.

Yes, but: While McPherson ranks 26th among qualifying kickers in field goal percentage, he has excelled in long-distance kicks, making the most field goals of 50 or more yards since entering the league.

• McPherson played a crucial role in the Bengals' playoff run last season, hitting game-winning field goals in the AFC divisional round and the AFC championship game.
• Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised McPherson's performance and called him a big part of the team.
• Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons commended McPherson for his composure in high-pressure situations.

What to watch: McPherson's consistency and ability to handle pressure will be key factors in the Bengals' success in close games.

What's next: With McPherson locked in, the Bengals can focus on other areas of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

• Kansas City's Harrison Butker also received a contract extension this offseason, highlighting the value teams place on reliable kickers.

The bottom line: By extending McPherson's contract, the Bengals are investing in their special teams unit and ensuring they have a dependable kicker for the foreseeable future.