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Diving into Zane Gonzalez replacements

By Aarron Van Buren

Nov 16, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (2) kicks a field goal in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (2) kicks a field goal in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2020; Glendale, Arizona USA Arizona Cardinals place kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) reacts after missing a field goal against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona RepublicNfl Cards Game L A Rams At Arizona Cardinals
Dec 6, 2020; Glendale, Arizona USA Arizona Cardinals place kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) reacts after missing a field goal against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona RepublicNfl Cards Game L A Rams At Arizona Cardinals /

After releasing the controversial kicker, finding replacements for Zane Gonzalez may not be the easiest task.

Ever since Neil Rackers left the team after the 2009 season, the Arizona Cardinals have been through a handful of kickers. Jay Feely, Chandler Catanzaro and Phil Dawson have all laced it up for the team since then. It’s not often you hear the term “franchise kicker”, as they’re very elusive and hard to find. You don’t see 4-5 clones of a Justin Tucker, or an Adam Vinatieri in his prime much anymore. And after releasing their former kicker, the team needs to find some Zane Gonzalez replacements.

Arizona Cardinals fans have had it rough with clutch kicking for quite some time. Rackers missed against the Chicago Bears on the MNF meltdown, Catanzaro missed an embarrassingly short attempt against the Seattle Seahawks that led to a 6-6 tie in 2016, and then Gonzalez’ missed attempts this year come to mind.

Hence why special teams needs to be in the plan in free agency. The draft has never been a reliable way to acquire kickers, as guys who look like they’re locks end up being an absolute bust (see Roberto Aguayo’s career). Landing a solid and reliable kicker will only help the Cardinals as they continue to transform into a playoff contender. Let’s take a dive into the Zane Gonzalez replacements that the team has in free agency for kickers.

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