Steelers Kicker Chris Boswell Seeks Contract Extension After Uneven Season

Boswell, a veteran kicker, aims to remain one of the NFL's highest-paid specialists despite a dip in performance last year.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:18pm

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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.

Why it matters

Boswell's future with the Steelers is of particular interest as the team undergoes major changes, including the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin after an early playoff exit. The team's management will evaluate roster decisions, including who should remain and who deserves new contracts, during this period of transition.

The details

Despite a downtrend last season, Boswell has a history of exceptional kicking performance. In 2025, he earned first-team All-Pro honors and set franchise records for field goals made and points scored. However, his numbers dipped in 2026, 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, but a missed field goal due to difficult field conditions and a blocked extra point were notable setbacks.

  • In 2025, Boswell recorded one of the most outstanding seasons ever for a kicker, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
  • Last season (2026), Boswell's numbers dipped, partly influenced by Aaron Rodgers' arrival at quarterback, which reduced his field goal opportunities from 44 to 32 attempts.

The players

Chris Boswell

A veteran kicker with 11 years of NFL experience, currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who resigned after the team's early playoff exit.

Aaron Rodgers

The quarterback who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, which influenced Boswell's field goal opportunities last season.

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What’s next

The Steelers' management will evaluate roster decisions, including who should remain and who deserves new contracts, during this period of transition.

The takeaway

Boswell's experience and proven track record may weigh heavily in the Steelers' contract deliberations, especially given the challenges kickers face in securing early extensions and the increasingly competitive market for top specialists in the NFL.