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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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Sep 27, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) makes a game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals with no time left on the clock at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORKNfl Detroit Lions At Arizona Cardinals
Sep 27, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) makes a game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals with no time left on the clock at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORKNfl Detroit Lions At Arizona Cardinals /

Matt Prater

Matt Prater is my third on my list of Zane Gonzalez replacements. His connection with new special teams coach Devin Fitzsimmons who helped him hit at least 75% of his kicks when he was in Detroit is definitely enticing to think about. Prater is also the NFL record holder with a field goal of 64 yards, the longest of such in NFL history. Prater’s success in Detroit and Denver would have a great chance to continue here in Arizona due to the stadium and warm weather.

On the other hand, he is 36, almost the same age as Gostkowski. He may have 2-3 years left in the tank before he retires. I would love to see him on the squad as I mentioned earlier, the experience he has is hard to find with kickers.

Next. Cardinals may target another Texan. dark

He also could potentially take over punting duties if Andy Lee decides to retire as well. There are lots of decisions to make, let’s hope the Cardinals value special teams during free agency.

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