Message Boards

It's safe to say that after last night's performance, Nick Folk lost his job. Jerry Jones has already hinted that he'll be looking for a new placekicker this week.

This late in the season, all the big names have been long locked up. But there are always a few veteran free agents waiting around for a phone call. Let's the take the opportunity to speculate on who will get the job...

There are a few available kickers with in-game experience out there:
Mike Nugent
Steve Hauschka
Martin Gramatica

...I don't believe any of those options are much of an improvement from Nick Folk. So here are the best four options that I see...

1. Shaun Suisham via Free Agency
Suisham is a veteran kicker that made 18 of 21 Field Goals this season for the Redskins. Ironically, Washington released him last week after he missed a game-winning FG vs the Saints.

I believe this is the best move for Dallas. Next week is Skins/Cowboys and Suisham would have something to prove to his old team. If nothing else, he's a clear improvement from Nick Folk.

2. Jason Elam via Free Agency
I was surprised to see Elam on the market but the fact is, this has been an off year for him. He only made 12 or 19 Field Goals for the Falcons; they released him after Week 12.

Elam has a lot of upside and may just need a change of scenery. He's a 3X Pro Bowler and holds (ties) the record for longest ever FG made... so we know he can kick em deep.

3. Matt Stover or Adam Vinatieri via Trade w/ Indianapolis
What's the likeliness of this trade? Slim to none.

I don't believe that the Colts would be willing to part ways with either guy. Vinatieri is nursing a sore knee and the Colts are 14-0 with the guys they have. I don't know what the Cowboys would have to trade or if it would be worth it... but the option exists.

4. Garrett Hartley or John Carney via Trade w/ New Orleans
The two best records in the NFL happen to be stocked up on kickers... interesting stat.

If there were a trade partner for Dallas, this would be it. But I don't believe that either kicker is worth what Dallas would be giving up. Either way, the option is available.