Buffalo Bills' Rian Lindell Now Among NFL's Highest-Paid Kickers

by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 10:45 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 reported this weekend that Rian Lindell has agreed to a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills. This morning, Buscaglia has come through with the numbers on the deal: Lindell is set to make $11M over the course of four years, per the latest report.

The average payout of $2.75M a year puts Lindell in the top quarter of income earners at his position. Here's the list:

1. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders: 4 years, $16M Janikowski is one year younger than Lindell and has a much stronger leg. He has two seasons left on his deal. His career field goal percentage is lower than 80 percent, and even under 40 yards it's just 84 percent. Still, his big leg makes him a valuable weapon, as he's 11-of-18 from more than 50 yards in the last two seasons.

2. Phil Dawson, Cleveland Browns: Franchise Tag, $3.25M in 2011 Dawson was tagged by Cleveland in 2011, but is now expected to hit the open market. He's 37 years old, which might limit his desirability to some teams. He's an 83 percent lifetime field goal kicker, and should sign a deal comparable with Lindell this off-season.

3. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots: 5 years, $15.75M The 27-year-old has been consistent for the AFC champs since replacing Adam Vinatieri. He was an All-Pro in 2008 and has hit 84 percent of his field goal chances during his regular season career. He's also 13-of-15 in post-season games.

4. Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans: 4 years, $12M An All-Pro in 2007, the Tennessee kicker is entering the final year of his deal at the age of 34. He's 86 percent lifetime, and has been above 90 percent in each of the last two seasons. He will likely sign a deal higher than Lindell's at some point in the next calendar year.

5. Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers: 5 years, $14.75M The youngest player on our list, Crosby is 27 years old and consistent on a very solid team. He had his best season in 2011, converting 86 percent of his kicks despite a 79 percent lifetime average.

6. Josh Brown, St. Louis Rams: 5 years, $14.2M Brown kicks indoors for St. Louis, and is entering the final year of his contract. He'll be the same age as Lindell when he signs his new deal, and will likely still be ahead of the Bills kicker in average salary. His lifetime field goal percentage hovers just under 81 percent. He's very similar to Lindell in that's he accurate under 40 yards, but his accuracy suffers dramatically above that distance.

7. Rian Lindell, Buffalo Bills: 4 years, $11M His career kicking percentage is 81 percent, but unlike Brown, he kicks in adverse conditions more often than not. He converted on almost 87 percent of his kicks in 2011 without attempting one longer than 50 yards. He's now locked up through his 39th birthday.

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That seems crazy to me we never tried a 50+ yard FG with him.

Congrats to Rian on his deal. And he certainly a helluva better kicker than Rayner.
He may not get the touchbacks like Rayner, but he seemed to always place the ball within a yard or two of the goalline, or a yard or two deep, which resulted in a return, and in the beginning of the year our KO coverage team was pretty good at pinning them.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 6, 2012 10:51 AM EST reply actions

We did

Remember we kicked a 52 or 53 yarder to beat Miami under Fewell. He is capable, but it doesn’t happen often

by blitzboy54 on Feb 6, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

... that was 3 years ago, lol.

Im talking about this year.

He converted on almost 87 percent of his kicks in 2011 without attempting one longer than 50 yards.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 6, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

He may not get the touchbacks like Rayne

When he didn’t shank it lol

flayed ones stealth mode

"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."

by mob16151 on Feb 6, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

Well, there’s this.

"Son. People can see you!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 6, 2012 10:58 AM EST reply actions

My only complaint with Lindell is his inability to force a touchback on kickoffs. Other than that, he has been very dependable as a kicker. Having a strong leg like Rayner is no good when you can’t hit the broad side of a barn or handle something as simple as a squib kick.

by SiriusRed on Feb 6, 2012 11:01 AM EST via mobile reply actions

kickoffs

From the look of all the kicks this year it seemed to me that the plan on kick offs was to kick it high and to the sideline so teams would be forced to return it but get pinned deep and early in the season when Lindell was healthy that is exactly what happened

by Gesome77 on Feb 6, 2012 12:51 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

My thoughts exactly.

by Xaviermw on Feb 6, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

not horrible

Need to start looking for a young option though. Maybe a 7th round pick.

"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-

by billsoferie on Feb 6, 2012 11:02 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Every year, teams will bring in a pair of players to compete for the kicker and punter positions, even when they know that it would take a miracle to unseat the starters. However, as Lindell and Moorman get up in age, there will come a time where that challenger will finally take over.

by SiriusRed on Feb 6, 2012 11:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Moorman fought off a serious challenge in 2011.

This contract pretty much means Lindell is our guy for a few years.

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by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t know, I think it only guarantees one year. I don’t anticipate only one year (and from the contract neither does the team), but there’s nothing financially to prevent it if he suddenly stinks up the joint, particularly for a ‘cash to the cap’ team.

I think the team’s inability to find a good replacement kicker after Lindell got hurt helped Lindell’s cause. I don’t think they wanted to screw around and end up with an unreliable kicker, or pay more in free agency (not knowing all the FAs).

Probably a little bit of an overpayment, particularly when factoring in kickoffs, but nothing to get worked up about.

Plus, with the new TV contracts kicking in in a couple years salaries are going to rise a fair amount.

by Pistol on Feb 6, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

It depends on how the contract lays out. If they gave him a $2M or $3M bonus plus $2M in salary for 2012, it probably gives him two years.

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by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I’d guess that this contract really only guarantees him a spot on the roster for this season, but that he’d also have to really, really fall apart next season to not be a lock for a spot heading into to 2013.

"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington

by kaisertown on Feb 6, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions

Seems rather pricey, but not my call.

Lindell has been rather consistant for a long time.

Congrats on a nice pay day.

The score dictated they pass

by norcaliangelsfan on Feb 6, 2012 12:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions

The day after the SB and this is the big thread of the day. Wow.

"Son. People can see you!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 6, 2012 12:57 PM EST reply actions

What do you want us to write about? We’re a Bills blog, man. The news was first reported this AM.

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by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

im not sure if that was against the writers

as much as against the bills organization.

im disappointed that lindell can get paid and fitz can get paid but stevie is being left out. … so far.

Change is inevitable; progress is optional. - Buffalo Bills Mantra

by silverstreak3k on Feb 6, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely NOT against the staff, though I can see how it would be interpreted that way. My apologies to the BR staff.

It’s simply that the organization seems stagnant to me.

"Son. People can see you!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 6, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

This whole time of year is stagnant unfortunately. We could do 30 mocks drafts. :-) IT’s the same after the draft before camp.

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by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not big on Lindell, but he’s not the worst option out there either (ie- Rayner, D.). I thought he was terrible in 2010, but otherwise, he’s been ok to good. Personally, I’d prefer Buffalo to challenge him more seriously with younger kickers each summer, but I guess that’s not going to happen for awhile now given this contract. On to bigger things, OBD.

"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix

by Port Royal on Feb 6, 2012 1:23 PM EST reply actions

After watching his replacements I'm welcoming Lindell back with open arms

I’ve got to be getting old though, I remember watching Janikowski kick for FSU as a freshman and saying, “how is that fat boy supposed to kick a football?” Then he kicked it…

by telka on Feb 6, 2012 1:35 PM EST reply actions

and everyone thought Davis was crazy

for spending a #1 on the beer guzzling chubby polish kid; not to mention the punter in the same year.

go figure.

"Will&Work2Win"coach Karma420

by Blood, sweat & Win on Feb 7, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions

Al got the last laugh on that.

Lechler is headed to the hall of fame, and Jano has a shot if he keeps it up.

Caps lock is not cruise control for cool.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Feb 7, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

whoa

If Ray guy isn’t in the hall, I don’t think any punter or K will ever get in….

I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.

by suteck on Feb 7, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

Seven-time Pro Bowler and the all-time NFL punting average leader. He's getting in.

If Jano kicks a few more 60-yarders he has a shot.

Caps lock is not cruise control for cool.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Feb 7, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions

dude

RAY GUY is the best punter of all time and I think I read he still isn’t in the Hall yet.

I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.

by suteck on Feb 7, 2012 10:51 PM EST up reply actions

Just to clarify

There are NO pure Punters or Kickers in the hall of fame, and the one people talk about the most as a snub is Ray Guy. check out his stats. There might never be a better punter, ever. And he was drafted in the first round!!
If he doesn’t get in, I doubt any K or P will ever get in.

I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.

by suteck on Feb 7, 2012 10:56 PM EST up reply actions

Front office should be drug tested!

What! This is the difference between the Bills and playoff caliber teams!
The playoff caliber teams actually extend the contracts of players that matter.
Bill Polian – Please come back!
You can sign a free agent kicker for a lot less money than they just gave Lindell.

by BuffaloWhiner on Feb 6, 2012 2:33 PM EST reply actions

wow dude

I am NOT a supporter of Lindell and I found that to be harsh. The guy is “money” inside 45. He does have good angled kicks. To say that he isn’t worth that cash isn’t true. I would have gone after Dawson, but, that is me. I’d rather trust a kicker I have history or seen rather then a guy come in. Even the Pats know you keep your good P and K for their prime years.

I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.

by suteck on Feb 6, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

You mean like the Packers and Patriots?

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by MattRichWarren on Feb 6, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

Did you even watch this year?

Rayner (see as replacement) is the reason Lyndell had to be resigned. Ryan should be sending him a very nice thank you card… and prehaps a car.

"WE’RE SUPER FREAKY" – STEVIE J
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by BigBlkGr8Dane on Feb 6, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

You can sign a free agent kicker for a lot less money than they just gave Lindell.

No you can’t. Look up what veteran NFL kickers have gotten as FA contracts over the past few offseasons and you’ll see the Bills maybe even landed themselves a bargain in Lindell. At best, you could maybe save a mil and end up with a kicker like Jay Feely. Unless you’re going to roll the dice on drafting a kicker, this is about as cheap as it gets now.

"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington

by kaisertown on Feb 6, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Typical last place moves…..fanfare for kickers & longsnappers….but no playmakers that get us Super Bowl trophies! !!!!

by rexachss on Feb 6, 2012 10:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Not a huge fan of the deal

It’s pretty big money for an average/below average kicker. I’ve seen some comments about his dependability and accuracy, which I disagree with. His 82.8% conversion rate over the last 5 years is hardly good, and that’s basically his success rate for his 9 years in Buffalo too(82.9%). That’s just not good enough. Taking a look at where that’d fall each of those 5 years:

2011: 18th
2010: 18th
2009: 19th
2008: 24th
2007: 24th

We all know he struggles more than most kickers from outside of 40 yards, at least at first blush.

I don’t know if I’d call him dependable, reliable, or good. Instead, I’d say he’s average and ‘steady’ in that the Bills know exactly what to expect from him.

It’s not a big deal that they kept him, nor that they paid him what they did UNLESS it precludes them from keeping players elsewhere, signing a better player or two or building further depth. Roughly $3M a year for an average, at best, kicker on a small market team with talent issues is hard to swallow. Let’s hope the Bills haven’t prevented the opportunity to sign a quality player or two as a result. If so, I’d have happily taken some kicker on a one-year deal or taken a chance on a big legged rookie. I’d rather have Steve Johnson and Kicker X than Rian Lindell and say, Mario Manningham, for example. Just hoping for the best at this point….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Feb 7, 2012 12:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

i feel similarly. or well, exactly the same.

and I feel like he is 50/50 past 45… but stats don’t prove that. He has been statistically better, but that could be in part because we don’t often try long field goals with him, and he isn’t far from a half and half shot at missing. I trust him not at all for anything in the 50 yard range. Even in a dome.

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by ThaRealTruth on Feb 7, 2012 3:10 AM EST up reply actions