Are the Kansas City Chiefs in need of a new kicker? Harrison Butker’s recent numbers suggest they do

The Kansas City Chiefs went into game week 6 with a perfect 5-0 record. However, they came out of it with a 20-3 win against the struggling and inconsistent Seahawks side. It was a particularly poor performance from Andy Reid’ team. The 4-time Super Bowl Champions lagged in all phases of the game.

Patrick Mahomes's offense could only muster 213 yards, with 2-time MVP himself throwing for only 165 yards. He had no TD pass and threw a costly interception. The ground game failed to get going, accumulating only 50 yards. Kenneth Walker only rushed for 36 yards on 14 carries against his former team.

The Chiefs' offense made only 11 first downs and 3 of their 11 third downs. The defense, too, failed to stop the Seahawks' offense and gave up more than 400 yards.


While everyone was poor on the day, it was their kicker who caught the most flak. Harrison Butker missed two of the three field goals he attempted against Seattle, catching the ire of Kansas City faithful. His misses came from 58 and 45 yards. He did make one from 50 yards.

But this isn’t the first time that Butker has missed kicks this season. He has made only 11 of 16 field goals this season, with a conversion rate of merely 68.8 percent. He ranks dead last in field goal points over expected at -7.69.

His numbers suggest the 3-time Super Bowl-winning kicker has been struggling for quite some time. Since last season, Butker has missed 15 kicks – 10 Field goals and 5 extra points.

There have been calls for the Chiefs to release the 31-year- old kicker whose has been on a decline.

However, the Chiefs HC, Andy Reid, is still backing his kicker. He said, “He’s been one of the most consistent kickers in football. He’s off a bit, so gotta fix it”.

Social media didn’t offer Butker any grace or respite as they heavily trolled the Chiefs struggling kicker.

“Needs to spend more time in the kitchen”, fans viciously troll Butker following his struggles

The internet isn’t going to let Harrison Butker off the hook for his misses anytime soon. Fans had a field day at the Chiefs’ kicker’s expense, with many using his struggles to mock him for his controversial views on gender. Some even urged him to get back into the kitchen, a dig at his previous comments.

Others called Butker to retire, telling him to stay home, look after his children and serve his wife instead. While some branded him the worst kicker in the NFL, others urged the Chiefs tocut their losses and move on from him. Fans stated,

“Needs to spend more time in kitchen so he can relearn to cook”.

Another joked, Maybe Harrison Butker should be STAH dad?” An amused fan sarcastically wrote, “I think the criticism of Harrison Butker is rather unkind and unnecessary. Yes, he made the mistake of wanting to be a career man and falling short.

Now is when we should show grace and encourage him to embrace his natural role as a homemaker. Males require guidance, after all”

Someone commented, “His downfall has been fun to witness; what a dumbass”.

A user jokingly said, Retire, get in the kitchen and make your wife a sandwich”.

Others wrote, “ If the Patriots walked away from Adam Vinatieri after three Lombardis, the Chiefs can move on from a struggling Butker”.

Harrison Mevis, who had a field goal over expected of -6.87, which was better than Butker, was released this month by the LA Rams and is now a free agent. He had missed four of his nine field goals in the season, and after he missed a 50-yarder and Greg Rousseau blocked his 48-yard game winner, the Rams decided to let him go.

Butker signed a four-year $25.6 million contract extension with the Chiefs in 2024. He still has two years left on the deal, but it only included $17.5 million in guaranteed money, which is his signing bonus, 2024 salary, 2025 salary and 2026 salary. So if they release him after this season, they don’t owe him anything.

While good kickers are hard to find, unlike QBs, kickers are expandable. Butker has been immense for the Chiefs and was a vital part of their three-peat side. But if his performances don’t improve, Kansas City would be left with no option but to let him go.