Insider: Steelers Chris Boswell Likely To Get Major Payday Again

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a pretty busy offseason, making big changes to multiple key positions on the roster. Naturally, that kind of change has led to plenty of headlines and speculation as the team prepares for the regular season. However, while the spotlight has been on the new faces and major moves, a few important names have quietly slipped under the radar -- some players who could still have a big impact when the games start to count.

One often overlooked yet crucial position in football is that of the kicker. Despite receiving less attention than other positions, kickers tend to find themselves under immense pressure, as the outcome of a game can sometimes rely solely in their hands. Recently, amidst one of the major contract negotiations currently happening, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly made an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. During his appearance, he talked about potential future contract talks involving Steelers kicker Chris Boswell.

"They'll pay him. Yeah, they probably wait until August again, next year, and probably make him the highest paid kicker," Kaboly said.

If this new deal were to come to fruition, it would place Boswell in familiar territory. The last time he signed a contract extension with the Steelers, it resulted in him becoming one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, putting him on par with former division rival Justin Tucker. Tucker has since been released from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason.

In 2022, Boswell signed a four year, $20 million deal with the Steelers. With his contract ending following the 2026 season, it is likely that if the Steelers do decide to re-sign Boswell, it will will happen next summer, like Kaboly mentioned. This is a timeframe the Steelers are known to favor annually for finalizing contract deals.

NFL contracts have become increasingly crazy in recent years. With the league’s salary cap continuing to rise annually, teams now have more financial flexibility to offer larger deals. As players across the league become eligible for extensions each year, the overall market value has surged significantly. This is where kicker contracts can be especially beneficial, as they tend to be more cost-effective and help balance a team’s spending.

As mentioned earlier, when Boswell signed his previous contract, he was tied as the highest-paid kicker in the league, and that deal was only worth four years, $20 million. To put that in perspective, there are players in the NFL earning more than twice that amount annually. So, while Boswell will likely see an increase in his next contract, even being the highest-paid kicker in the league doesn’t put a significant strain on a team’s salary cap.

While Boswell is known for being more reserved and not necessarily a vocal leader in the locker room, that’s perfectly okay, because he doesn’t need to be. His role doesn’t require him to be the loudest presence; instead, he lets his performance speak for itself. Boswell is very reliable and has proven to be a consistent kicker who has played a big role in helping the Steelers get numerous wins over the years. The Steelers are happy to have a guy as dependable as him on their roster.

Steelers Have A Big Year Ahead

The Steelers are heading into what could be a pivotal season, with big expectations for the team. Both new additions and returning players are under close watch from the media, and the pressure to be successful and make a strong push is greater than ever. In order for the team to have success, it is very important for every position group to work together. It will take a 100% effort from all parts, the offense, defense, and special teams to achieve their goals this season.

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