Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have made a bold statement this offseason, finalizing a record-breaking deal to bring in the NFL’s undisputed “King of Long-Range” kicker to anchor their special teams.
The contract, reportedly valued at $2 million per year, underscores the team’s commitment to bolstering their kicking game with a player renowned for distance and consistency. Fans and analysts alike are taking note of the high-profile signing.
Nicknamed the “King of Long-Range,” the kicker brings a history of extraordinary accomplishments to Dallas. Over his career, he has successfully converted more than 81 field goals from distances of 50 yards or more — an NFL record that remains unmatched.
Among his most celebrated feats is a 64-yard field goal in 2013 while playing for the Denver Broncos, setting the NFL record for the longest successful kick at the time. That mark would later be surpassed by Justin Tucker’s 66-yard field goal.
Career-long accuracy further cements his elite status. To date, he has converted over 417 field goals with a career success rate of 83.7 percent, demonstrating remarkable consistency across multiple seasons and teams.
Despite an illustrious career, recent seasons have presented challenges. The kicker endured a right quadriceps injury that forced him to miss late-season games, including Week 16, before attempting a return in Week 18, only to exit early due to lingering effects.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, his previous contract expired. After spending time in free agency, he agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys, bringing veteran stability and proven reliability to the special teams roster.
While fans have expressed concern over the kicker’s performance given the advanced stage of his career, sources close to the team indicate that previous injuries have fully healed. Dallas values his experience and leadership, intending for him to mentor younger kickers while contributing reliably on the field.
Finally revealed, the veteran is Matt Prater, the 41-year-old long-range specialist known for his power, precision, and game-changing ability. Prater’s presence is expected to elevate the performance of the Dallas Cowboys’ kicking unit and provide guidance to the team’s emerging specialists.
Cowboys executives reportedly see the signing not only as a short-term boost but also as a potential pathway for Prater to assume a coaching advisory role in the future, helping shape the next generation of kickers once he eventually retires.
With his combination of distance, accuracy, and postseason experience, Prater is positioned to make an immediate impact while offering mentorship and leadership in the locker room.
The signing represents a strategic move for Dallas, emphasizing both veteran talent and developmental guidance as the organization prepares for the upcoming season and a playoff push.
For fans, the addition of a proven long-range weapon is welcome news, though questions about longevity and durability remain given the physical toll of a decades-long career.
Ultimately, the addition of Prater blends high-level performance with institutional knowledge — a pairing the Cowboys hope will strengthen both their field goal reliability and the growth of younger players.
As the team looks forward to training camp, attention will focus on how effectively Prater integrates with Dallas’s roster and whether he can sustain elite kicking performance while mentoring the team’s next generation.
This deal marks another bold move by the Dallas Cowboys, signaling the franchise’s intent to compete at the highest level while leveraging the skills and experience of one of the NFL’s most accomplished kickers.
