Should the Packers Bring Back Kicker Mason Crosby In 2023?

Mason Crosby has earned his place in Packers history and undoubtedly after he retires, he will be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame.

The former Colorado star has played more games than any player in Packers history (258) and scored more points than anybody else in Packers history with 1,918. He has topped 100 points in every season in his NFL career but one and could become the first player in Packers history to top 2,000 points in a career if he plays one more year with the team.

He is one of only two players left on the Packers roster who won a Super Bowl (Aaron Rodgers is of course, the other) and he is among the most popular players on the team both with his teammates and with the fan base.

Crosby struggled in 2021, missing nine field goals and two extra points, in part due to issues with his holder, long snapper and blocking. It was his worst season kicking since 2012 but the veteran bounced back and made 86.2 percent of his field goals in 2022 and once again came through in the clutch like his game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cowboys and his 56-yard kick against the Vikings in Week 17.

That’s not to say all was perfect with Crosby. He will turn 39 on September 3rd, just before the 2023 season is expected to start and at this stage of his career, he can no longer kickoff deep into the end zone on a consistent basis. That can cost the Packers field position especially if the opposing team has a dangerous kick returner.

Crosby’s contract is up and he is going to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason unless GM Brian Gutekunst signs him to a new contract. The question is should the Packers bring him back for one more year?

Crosby has already indicated he wants to return for one more season. He said as much after the season finale against Detroit.

Gutekunst was unclear about bringing back Crosby although he praised the kicker for his 2022 performance. “These are all decisions we'll work through this offseason. David's under contract [Bakhtiari], Mason's not. We're working through all that stuff. Mason had an astounding year this year, was really clutch in a lot of ways. So, it’s, he’s performing at a high level for a long time and obviously having Rich [Bisaccia] come in and him adapting to a new special teams coach for I don’t know how many years in a row now, but he carried us in a few of those games, no doubt about it.”

In addition to a consistent career and a history of making clutch kicks, Crosby adds one more positive to his resume: he knows how to kick in the cold and wind of a Green Bay winter. Lambeau Field can be a tricky place for kickers but Crosby has been playing there for 16 seasons and he knows how to handle the conditions at Lambeau Field in November, December and January. One of the remarkable things about his 56-yard kick against the Vikings was that it came on a cold day at Lambeau and not in a dome or in the thin air of Denver.

The Packers have some options if they want to bring Crosby back. They may want to sign another kicker to the active roster to handle kickoffs if they’re not confident the veteran can still get the job done next season. But is it worth using a valuable roster spot for a kickoff specialist and backup field goal kicker?

They could also do what they did this year and keep a kicker on the practice squad all season in case Crosby needs help with kickoffs or struggles with his accuracy. That is less expensive and there is plenty of room on NFL practice squads for a second kicker.

Clearly, letting Crosby go is the cheapest option. A younger, less experienced kicker could be signed for less money and we all know the Packers are currently over the salary cap limit for 2023 although Gutekunst and Russ Ball will soon be able to restructure some deals and create the necessary cap space to become cap compliant. But would the potential cap savings be worth the gamble of bringing in a kicker who may struggle in the clutch or late in the season when the weather gets cold?

Regardless of what the organization decides to do, Crosby has made his mark on Packers history. The question is whether he has one more season to add to his legacy.

 

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Comments (40)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
KenEllis's picture

January 14, 2023 at 11:21 am

Should they?

Given he can't kick off deep or hit from 50+ regularly anymore and is expensive, probably not.

Will they?

Well this is the Packers and deviating from the status quo is not in our organisational DNA, so probably.

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jannes bjornson's picture

January 14, 2023 at 03:06 pm

For his CAP hit he's fair value. The other guy pulls a groin warming up? Keep him or target Ruggles in the 5th round.

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DTowleJr's picture

January 14, 2023 at 11:29 am

Great read. I agree 100% with you.

As for the question: should the #Packers get another kicker? They already have, signing one at the end of the regular season, Parker White from the University of South Carolina. So, they are ready to move on IF Mason Crosby is ready to move on. I'm not sure what the market is for a Kicker, especially one heading into [probably] his last season. If Mason can give assurances that he would retire at the end of next season, then I say the #Packers sign him to a 1-year deal and let him reap the accolades he so richly deserves.

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TarynsEyes's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:15 pm

“then I say the #Packers sign him to a 1-year deal and let him reap the accolades he so richly deserves.”

Like the Donald Driver, one year farewell tour while wasting an important roster spot.

He already has the accolades deserved, and if he cannot perform to the NEEDS of the team, the decision should be easy and not restricted by emotion. We can celebrate him of Crosby Day whenever the ORG decides on that. At this time, is he what the Packers need and can he perform to the level necessary. I'm against one year farewell tours.

If they haven't a better kicker, sign him, if they do, move on.

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SinceLombardi's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:43 pm

Sign him for a season to reap accolades???
That is not how a successful franchise operates. His kickoffs are rarely into the end zone.. this leads to returns, which could lead to big returns and or injuries ( usually to backup corners etc)
The 2023 packers will need every point they can get. 60 yard field goals are no longer rare… but we couldn’t even attempt it.
Packer HOF for sure, and maybe a bobble head day or something. But that’s it.

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canadapacker's picture

January 14, 2023 at 11:52 am

Did not the Packers have practice squad kickers for the past 2 years - Ahmed - and now they signed White. But at least with Ahmed hasnt he been kicking in cold weather during practice and I would think that he has the leg - he did make a 61 yarder in college. Usually teams monitor what is going on in practice - dont know if the Pack is that organized to practice long kick- offs during their practices and if it also occurs in all types of weather - would hope so. But one never knows how they will react in the tension of game winning scenarios until it happens. But it is hard to improve special teams performance against kick returns when the ball lands at the 10 yard line - so I believe that the time is now for a renewal at this position and let Crosby go into the Hall of Fame.

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BirdDogUni's picture

January 14, 2023 at 11:56 am

Any other franchise would go younger, but with GB, I'd expect them to want Crossbar back.

I understand the organization supporting their veteran players, so I am betting it all depends on what Mason wants, not the commenters here at CHTV.

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Oppy's picture

January 14, 2023 at 02:10 pm

That's an organizational failure if the decision depends on what Mason wants.

If you wait to move forward until a player decides they want to retire, you've waited too long in 9 out of 10 cases and you're caught flat footed.

Love Crosby, he's everything you would have liked Rodgers to be.. but the Packers avoided putting him out on the field for FG attempts the first 2 or 3 games of 2022, he has lost his deep ball strength which used to be a hallmark of his career, and they eventually started moving towards using a secondary kicker for kick off duties.

If all those items above don't inform a franchise that it is time to move on, there's a problem.

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Coldworld's picture

January 14, 2023 at 11:57 am

Probably not. I suppose he could take a big cut in pay, but despite the late season heroics, his leg is aging and we need to get cheaper somewhere. That said, I don’t think it’s unlikely, we are a team seemingly willing to throw everything into the future to keep what’s left of the band together regardless.

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jannes bjornson's picture

January 14, 2023 at 06:27 pm

He could extend his career with an Indoor Team, a'la Vinatieri. His technique is still sound. A winning team should not have to rely on the 55 yd+ FG in crunch time.

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GregC's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:26 pm

It depends on whether they have a good prospect ready to take over for him. Last year I thought they did, but they cut him. Crosby had a good season, so it worked out, but I think the team needs to make a real effort to get a good young kicker, and if they find one, it will be time to move on. Considering how much trouble this team has had finding decent long snappers and punters, I'm not at all confident that they will find another good kicker, but maybe they'll get lucky.

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stockholder's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:26 pm

- They should sign anyone they can afford. The dangers are: You get what you pay for.
Mason Crosby is Loyal, and knows how much they depend on him.
1 more year works for me. At a Bargain price.
But- If they don't trust him. It's time.

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Oppy's picture

January 14, 2023 at 02:11 pm

The Packers didn't get what they paid for in Aaron Rodgers, did they?

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SinceLombardi's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:38 pm

Absolutely not. Thankful for his great years of service, but short kickoffs mean more collisions and injuries, even if the coverage is great. The field goals have always been a coin flip for the last few years. Now the team will probably suck and need every point possible. Plus there is a cap issue, so every $100,000 counts.
It’s a business. In the past they’ve fired Starr, traded Favre so cutting Crosby isn’t breaking new ground.

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relleum61's picture

January 14, 2023 at 12:39 pm

Crosby has had a great career in Green Bay and I appreciate the legacy he has built, one that will carry him into the Packer HOF. However, it is time for Gutekunst to do his job and move on from Mason. This is a clear case of "better a year too early than a year too late."

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splitpea1's picture

January 14, 2023 at 01:15 pm

We love Crosby, but it should be an open competition at this point. However, we're talking about the Packers, an organization which seems to have great difficulty letting go of the past. It would nice to see them move forward and try to improve here rather than worry about the what-ifs concerning the weather, etc.

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CheesedDeadHead's picture

January 14, 2023 at 01:21 pm

I'm sure the Packers leadership is more comfortable defending using the football equivalent of an octogenarian who's had success than defending bringing in a young unknown.

If O'donnell could kick it 70 yards routinely (either placekick of free kick) I'd be fine with Crosby handling the FG/XP attempts at a far reduced salary (2X minimum). If not, time to move on. Ahmed looked good in the preseason and I'd be fine giving him the first shot to earn the job.

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Gman1976's picture

January 14, 2023 at 01:26 pm

How many teams have gotten new kickers only to regret it and end up trying kicker after kicker? Mason produced well this season. I would offer him a 1 year contract with a 2nd year team option. If we find a better kicker who is accurate and can reach the end zone on kickoffs, we can always cut him. It's as simple as that.

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dobber's picture

January 14, 2023 at 03:05 pm

"...with a 2nd year team option."

These kinds of contracts don't exist in the NFL...unless you mean a deal with no guaranteed money so they can just cut him after 2023 with no cap obligation.

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Leatherhead's picture

January 14, 2023 at 01:36 pm

Every missed FG is essentially a turnover. You lose possession, you get no points, and your opponent gets the ball at the spot of the kick. Crosby rarely misses (25 of 29 this year). I'm not sure who we could get that would be much better than that. He's kind of expensive, and we're kind of cash-poor, but you hate it when your kicker can't put it between the uprights (remember 2021?)

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13TimeChamps's picture

January 14, 2023 at 03:51 pm

Well, that didn't last long. Lol

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LLCHESTY's picture

January 14, 2023 at 07:45 pm

So punt is basically a turnover too?🙄

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 15, 2023 at 04:04 am

Yes, it is, by definition. A punt means a team decided to voluntarily relinquish possession of the ball in exchange for the chance of gaining better field position. A turnover also involves relinquishment of possession. It often involves a loss in field position, but that is not necessarily the case and is not part of the definition.

I do not agree with you on Crosby. Wied would be on this like a shot!

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DragonSilk's picture

January 14, 2023 at 02:55 pm

His first year or 2 he missed quite a few game winning kicks, so it took me a while to trust him. I've grown to love the guy, but Father Time is undefeated. He proved that 56 yards is at the extreme of his distance and his leg is not going to get stronger. Still, his head is clutch even if his range is going to get more and more limited. I say keep him but try out several guys to see if we can find a big legged kid to replace him.

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DragonSilk's picture

January 14, 2023 at 04:00 pm

Just noticed Robie Gold is 2 years older, so on second thought F*** Father Time.

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PearlyBakerBest's picture

January 14, 2023 at 03:55 pm

Based on recent articles here at CHTV and certainly most of the comments, whether they run it back or rebuild, there won’t be a need to have a kicker that knows how to kick in Lambeau in November, December, and January.

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MooPack's picture

January 14, 2023 at 05:45 pm

Crosby has all my respect for his years as a kicker in Lambeau weather, but this should be pretty cut and dried. No.

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Fubared's picture

January 14, 2023 at 07:18 pm

I say bring him back, one less ass hole to try and replace in the draft.

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Fubared's picture

January 14, 2023 at 07:18 pm

I say bring him back, one less ass hole to try and replace in the draft. Matter of fact make him the highest paid kicker to show your appreciation for his services aka Rogers, Baktiari. So what if you can't afford any free agents, loyalty means so much more then just trying to win.

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LLCHESTY's picture

January 14, 2023 at 07:45 pm

Nope. In fact in hindsight this would have been the perfect year to replace him.
On to the next FA

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Houndog's picture

January 15, 2023 at 08:30 am

"In fact in hindsight this would have been the perfect year to replace him".
You might be right LLCHESTY.
That way we'd have had 3 wins and a much higher draft pick for Murphy and Gutey to F*#K-up.

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Tex49's picture

January 15, 2023 at 11:55 am

Last draft alone netted around 5 quality players if not starters. What hit rate are you looking for in the draft? Last 2 years Gute’s picked up 2 all pros off the free agent or practice squad trash heap and other contributors. Talent evaluation may not be perfect but it certainly isn’t the main problem.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 15, 2023 at 03:46 am

If GB is trying to win in 2023, bringing back Crosby is a no-brainer. We just watched the Lions kicker miss from 48 with the playoffs on the line. Crosby just doesn't do that. The week before IIRC, another kicker missed from inside 50. There are some really garbage kickers on 53-man rosters.

If GB is rebuilding, then trying to find the team's next 10-year field goal kicker should commence.

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Coldworld's picture

January 15, 2023 at 08:34 am

GB looks dead set on a run back of the run back. That means both that Crosby isn’t needed as it won’t change the outcome and that we probably do bring him back.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 16, 2023 at 04:04 am

LOL. Yup.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 15, 2023 at 07:55 am

No!

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Houndog's picture

January 15, 2023 at 08:21 am

On a game winning kick inside 50 yards and in a 'Big Game', I'd still want Crosby.
After the 2021 fiasco I specifically watched his every kick this year and most were in the center one-third between the goal posts.
If we're at the complete rebuild stage, to me it depends on the $$$.

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BAMABADGER's picture

January 15, 2023 at 07:01 pm

Mason Crosby is a Packer legend. If he stays, he is a liability kicking off. Do we have room for two place kickers on the team? I wouldn't think so. Regardless of the outcome, Mason, thanks for all you have done for the GBP organization.

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Lphill's picture

January 16, 2023 at 05:28 am

Thank you Mason , time to move on .

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HarryHodag's picture

January 16, 2023 at 05:26 pm

Age with kickers isn't really as big of an issue as it is with other positions.

Some of the younger contributors likely don't remember probably the greatest kicker I've seen live, Jan Stenerud. Stenerud was already a legend with Kansas City when the Packers brought him in 1980-83. He was 38 when he came to Green Bay and was a machine. His accuracy was amazing. He was 42 when the Packers said good-bye then he successfully kicked two more years for the Vikings. He's in the Hall of Fame.

I bring up Crosby because it's a mistake to think any kicker can walk on the field and do it well. I would give Crosby one more year(if he will work for a reduced salary). A dependable kicker is difficult to find. As the Packers found out over the years it's fairly easy to find a bozo who is a disaster.

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