Steelers Reward Veteran Kicker With Record-Breaking Extension After 60-Yard Game-Winner
PITTSBURGH, PA – September 9, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in rewarding their most reliable special teams weapon. Just two days after his 60-yard game-winning kick against the New York Jets, the franchise announced a lucrative contract extension for their veteran kicker, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.
The moment itself felt like a statement. With the score tied and the clock expiring in Week 1, the ball sailed off his foot and cleared the uprights with room to spare, electrifying Acrisure Stadium. That single kick didn’t just deliver a win — it reshaped his market value overnight.
Chris Boswell, who has been with the Steelers since 2015, now surpasses Harrison Butker and Justin Tucker atop the kicker salary rankings. His new extension, according to multiple league sources, is worth more than $26 million over four years, with an annual average above $6.5 million — a milestone no other kicker has reached.
Boswell nails a career long 60-yarder to give Pittsburgh the lead!
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/jm0DRH9d6B— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
"This is a tough position, and consistency is everything," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "Boswell has earned the trust of this organization time and time again. That kick on Sunday was just another reminder of why he belongs here long term."
The 34-year-old veteran had previously been playing under a deal signed in 2022, which carried a modest $5 million annual average. While that was once tied for the top spot in the league, the market has since shifted, with kickers like Butker ($6.4M AAV) and Jake Elliott ($5.5M AAV) overtaking him. This extension restores Boswell’s place at the top.
The timing of the move is significant. Boswell staged a quiet “hold-in” during training camp, skipping full participation as he sought an upgrade. The Steelers resisted at first but ultimately struck a deal after his Week 1 heroics underscored his value in close contests.
The extension provides security for Boswell while giving Pittsburgh stability at a critical position. With cap flexibility created by recent restructures, the Steelers managed to lock down their Pro Bowl kicker without jeopardizing future roster moves.
For Steelers fans, the deal represents more than just a financial decision. It’s a message that consistency, reliability, and clutch performances will always be rewarded in Pittsburgh. Boswell’s 60-yarder may have been the kick of his career — and now it’s also the kick that got him paid.
Bills Sign Veteran Punter Cameron Johnston, Waive Brad Robbins
The Buffalo Bills have made a special teams shakeup ahead of Week 2. According to league sources, the team has officially signed veteran punter Cameron Johnston, while parting ways with Brad Robbins.
Johnston, 32, brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo’s roster. The Australian-born punter has spent time with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans, earning a reputation for consistency, hang time, and field-position control across seven NFL seasons.
In 2024 with Houston, Johnston averaged 46.2 yards per punt, pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 28 times. His proven ability to flip the field makes him an immediate upgrade for a Bills team with playoff aspirations.
The move comes after Robbins struggled in the season opener, failing to generate the distance and placement the coaching staff expected. The 2023 sixth-round pick out of Michigan had been competing to secure a long-term role, but inconsistency cost him his spot.
For Buffalo, the decision reflects urgency. After surrendering 40 points in Week 1 despite a thrilling win over the Ravens, the team is clearly unwilling to leave any unit unchecked — including special teams.
Johnston will step in immediately as the starter, providing veteran stability ahead of a critical divisional matchup against the New York Jets in Week 2. His arrival also signals the Bills’ intent to prioritize field position in tightly contested games.
Fans have already reacted positively to the signing, calling Johnston a “steady hand” and praising the front office for addressing the issue quickly. With postseason expectations high, Buffalo is banking on the veteran’s leg to give them an edge.
