Bucs star kicker earns top three ranking across the NFL
· Yahoo Sports
Field position takes on an entirely different meaning when Chase McLaughlin is on the sideline. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, crossing midfield can be enough to put points on the board, and through five weeks of the 2026 season, McLaughlin has given Todd Bowles little reason to question his range.
McLaughlin ranks third in the league in Expected Points Added per Kick at 0.57, trailing only Washington's Will Reichard (0.71) and Indianapolis' Spencer Shrader (0.70). Unlike traditional field goal percentage, EPA accounts for the value of each attempt, providing a better picture of a kicker's contribution beyond simply making kicks. McLaughlin is a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals, but the distance of those attempts is what separates his production from that of other kickers. Seven of his makes have come from 40 yards or longer, including three from beyond 50. His longest conversion traveled 59 yards, and he has yet to attempt a field goal shorter than 30 yards.
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A kicker who converts 10 attempts from inside 40 yards isn't providing the same value as someone consistently connecting from distances where success rates begin to decline. McLaughlin has faced a more demanding collection of attempts while maintaining a perfect conversion rate. His range also creates an interesting dynamic for Bowles, whose fourth-down decision-making has frequently been a point of criticism. With McLaughlin capable of converting from nearly 60 yards, Tampa Bay can realistically consider field goals once the offense reaches the opponent's 42-yard line. However, that luxury also presents a potential trap. Having an excellent kicker shouldn't automatically justify settling for three points when the offense has an opportunity to extend a possession. That distinction becomes particularly important for a Buccaneers offense adjusting to Jalon Daniels under center. While McLaughlin provides a safety net for stalled drives, Tampa Bay still needs to weigh the value of his leg against the potential reward of keeping Daniels and the offense on the field. The Buccaneers have devoted considerable attention to addressing their offensive inconsistencies, but McLaughlin's production is worth recognizing. Tampa Bay doesn't necessarily need to reach the red zone to produce points. The challenge for Bowles is knowing when to use that weapon and when not to let it dictate his decisions.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs star kicker earns top three ranking across the NFL