Chris Boswell, the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ veteran kicker with 11 years of NFL experience, is heading into the final year of his current deal and seeking a contract extension. Following a less consistent recent season, questions arise about whether Boswell will again become the highest-paid kicker in the league through a new agreement.
Despite a downtrend last season, Boswell has a history of exceptional kicking performance, and with the Steelers undergoing major changes after an early playoff exit, his future with the team is of particular interest.
Boswell’s Past Achievements and Recent Performance Trends
In 2025, Boswell recorded one of the most outstanding seasons ever for a kicker, earning first-team All-Pro honors and converting 13 of 15 attempts from beyond 50 yards. He completed 41 of 44 field goals overall, leading all NFL kickers in made attempts that year and setting franchise records for both field goals and points scored.
Last season’s numbers dipped, partly influenced by Aaron Rodgers‘ arrival at quarterback, which reduced Boswell’s field goal opportunities from 44 to 32 attempts. He connected on 27 of those attempts, hitting 9 of 11 from 50-plus yards. A missed field goal due to difficult field conditions at Acrisure Stadium and a blocked extra point were notable setbacks.
Between 2019 and 2024, Boswell maintained at least a 90 percent success rate on field goals in five of those six seasons. While last year’s 84.4 percent accuracy was below his usual standard, it was not his worst season; for example, in 2022, he made just 20 of 28 attempts, and in 2018, his struggles nearly cost him his roster spot despite a prior Pro Bowl selection.
Playoff Reliability and Current Contract Context
One of Boswell’s most impressive credentials is his flawless playoff field goal record, having made all 19 attempts in postseason play, including a perfect 2-for-2 performance last season. However, he has missed two extra points on 21 tries in playoffs.
His current contract, a four-year, $20 million extension signed in 2022, averaged $5 million annually, which tied him with Justin Tucker at that time for the highest average yearly salary for an NFL kicker. Since then, other kickers, including Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, have secured contracts surpassing that amount, with Butker’s deal now topping out at $6.4 million per year. The question remains if Boswell and the Steelers will attempt to surpass that benchmark in a future extension.
Team Rebuilding and Boswell’s Role in the Steelers’ Future
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a period of significant change, compounded by the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin after yet another early playoff departure. As the team conducts exit meetings, management will evaluate roster decisions, including who should remain, who might earn increased responsibilities, and who deserves new contracts.
In this climate of transition, Boswell’s experience and proven track record may weigh heavily in contract deliberations, especially given the challenges kickers face in securing early extensions and the increasingly competitive market for top specialists in the NFL.
