Despite being tied for 26th in field goal percentage through five weeks, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is still considered one of the best legs in the NFL. Bates' only two misses of the season have come from beyond 50 yards — missing from 55 yards and one from 67 yards — and while he wasn't successful, these kicks show Detroit trusts his leg.
As Lions fans hope for better performances in Bates' future, a former Lions kicker just landed a new opportunity to begin the week. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Indianapolis Colts have signed Michael Badgley to their active roster after losing Spencer Shrader for the year.
Former Lions Kicker Michael Badgley Signs with Colts
Badgley certainly had an interesting tenure with the Lions. He was brought in a month into the 2022 season to replace a struggling Austin Seibert. Seibert made just 60% (3-of-5) of his field goals and only made 1-of-3 40-49 yard field goals before being cut. Upon his arrival, Badgley provided stability, making 83.3% (20-of-24) of his field goals and 100% (33-of-33) of his extra points in 2022.
Even so, the 30-year-old was not simply handed the job in 2023. Riley Patterson initially won the Lions’ starting kicker job that offseason; however, Badgley took over after Patterson was released in December. In the remaining games, he made all four of his field goal attempts and converted 13-of-15 extra points (86%).
Even though he struggled in the playoffs that season, going 1/3 (33%) on field goals, Detroit was ready to make him their starter in 2024. Unfortunately, Badgley suffered a torn hamstring during training camp, which sidelined him for the whole season. This led to the signing of Bates, and the Lions never looked back.
Now, Badgley has huge shoes to fill in Indianapolis. Shrader was one of the NFL's best kickers early in the season, going 13-of-14 on field goals, with his only miss being from 51 yards out in Week 3.
Badgley, who hasn't kicked in over a year now, has some pretty high expectations to live up to. The 30-year-old sits at a career field goal percentage of 81.3% (70-of-86) and a career extra point percentage of 96.8% (121-of-125).
Hopefully, the former Lion is able ot remind teams why he should have been rostered much earlier than Week 6. Those in the city of Detroit will definitely be pulling for him.